Category Archives: News

Odisha Man Quits IT Job, Rides Rapido in Bengaluru to Research Dairy Business

Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): An Odisha man has taken an unconventional route to prepare for his entrepreneurial dream—quitting his IT job, moving to Bengaluru and working as a Rapido rider to understand what potential customers want from a dairy brand he plans to build back home.

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The unusual approach came to light after a Bengaluru resident shared his interaction with the rider on LinkedIn, describing how a routine Rapido journey turned into a conversation about consumer preferences and business plans.

From IT Job to Bike Rides

The man, identified as Dinesh, comes from a family involved in dairy farming in Odisha. According to the LinkedIn post by Varun Raj, Dinesh wants to expand his family’s dairy operations and eventually develop a dairy-products brand.

Rather than conducting conventional market research, he decided to interact directly with consumers.

After leaving his IT job, Dinesh moved to Bengaluru and started working as a Rapido rider. The job, besides providing him with an income, gives him an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and learn about their buying habits.

Turning Passenger Conversations Into Market Research

During one of his rides, Dinesh reportedly asked Raj what dairy products he purchased apart from milk.

The simple question was part of a broader effort to understand consumer preferences, particularly among Bengaluru’s large population of IT professionals.

According to Raj, Dinesh regularly uses conversations with passengers to find out what dairy products they consume, what they look for when buying such products and what offerings might appeal to them.

Plans to Return to Odisha

Dinesh has reportedly given himself about one year to study the market and gather insights from his interactions with passengers.

Once he completes this period, he plans to return to Odisha and apply what he has learned to expand his family’s dairy business.

His approach has attracted attention on LinkedIn, with many users appreciating the practical nature of his strategy.

Instead of relying solely on surveys or market reports, Dinesh is using his everyday interactions with passengers to understand consumer behaviour firsthand—turning his work as a Rapido rider into an unconventional form of market research for the business he hopes to build in Odisha.

Capital Group secures FSRA licence in Abu Dhabi as it expands in the Middle East

ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Capital Group, one of the world’s largest and most experienced active investment managers with US$3.6 trillion of assets under management, announced today that it has secured a Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, the Capital of the United Arab Emirates, enabling the firm to operate as a regulated investment manager. The approval authorises Capital Group to conduct trading, investment management and distribution activities within ADGM.

The regulatory milestone marks the next phase of Capital Group’s long-term commitment to the region, following its May 2026 announcement of plans to establish its first Middle East office in Abu Dhabi. The firm has since relocated associates from North America, Europe and Asia, bringing investment, operational and client-facing expertise closer to clients and opportunities in the region. Its local presence is expected to grow over time, in line with business and client needs.

Benno Klingenberg-Timm, Head of Abu Dhabi Office & Head of Institutional for Europe and Asia, Capital Group, said: “Establishing a regulated presence in Abu Dhabi brings us closer to our clients and to the investment opportunities across the Middle East, a region where we have been active for many years. From day one, we will have a meaningful presence, with on-the-ground investment, operational and client-facing capabilities. Much like the opening of our Singapore office in 1989, we’re bringing together the full breadth of Capital Group’s expertise in Abu Dhabi, reflecting our confidence in the region’s long-term growth.”

H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said: “We are pleased to welcome Capital Group, a global investment manager, as it establishes a presence in Abu Dhabi. Its decision reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem and ADGM’s growing position as a leading international financial centre for global institutions seeking long-term opportunities across the region.”

Mike Gitlin, President and CEO of Capital Group, said: “The Middle East is strategically important to Capital Group and our clients. Securing our regulatory licence in Abu Dhabi reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our conviction in its continued development as a leading international financial centre. We look forward to deepening our relationships with clients and partners.”

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/capital-group-secures-fsra-licence-in-abu-dhabi-as-it-expands-in-the-middle-east-302900995.html

Odisha Landslide Disrupts Train Services; Several Koraput-Jagdalpur Trains Short-Terminated

Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): Train services on the Koraput-Jagdalpur section have been disrupted following a landslide between Maligura and Chhatariput stations in the Rayagada division.

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In view of passenger safety and to facilitate restoration work on the affected stretch, the East Coast Railway has announced temporary changes to several train services.

Passengers travelling between October 8 and 14 have been advised to take note of the revised train schedules, as some services will be short-terminated at Koraput while corresponding return journeys will originate from the station.

Howrah-Jagdalpur Express

The Howrah-Jagdalpur Express (18005) will operate from October 8 to 12 but will terminate at Koraput instead of Jagdalpur.

The corresponding Jagdalpur-Howrah Express (18006) will originate from Koraput from October 10 to 14.

Hirakhand Express Services Affected

The Bhubaneswar-Jagdalpur Hirakhand Express (18447) will also be short-terminated at Koraput from October 8 to 12.

Meanwhile, the Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express (18448) will originate from Koraput between October 9 and 13.

Passenger Train Services Also Hit

The disruption will also affect passenger train operations on the route.

The Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Passenger (58501) will terminate at Koraput from October 8 to 12.

Its return service, the Kirandul-Visakhapatnam Passenger (58502), will also originate from Koraput during the same period.

Restoration Work Underway

The temporary changes have been introduced to facilitate clearance and restoration work following the landslide and to ensure safe movement of passengers.

Railway authorities are expected to restore normal operations on the affected section once the track is cleared and declared safe for train movement.

Passengers planning to travel on the Koraput-Jagdalpur route during the affected period are advised to check the latest railway updates before commencing their journey.

Sudarsan Pattnaik Marks PM Modi’s 25 Years in Public Service With Sand Art at Puri Beach

Puri, Oct 7 (UDN): Renowned Odisha sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has paid tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the completion of his 25 years in public service with a special sand sculpture at Puri Beach.

Pattnaik shared images of the artwork on social media, describing the creation as a tribute to Modi’s journey of public service, leadership and dedication to the nation.

Sand Art Celebrates 25 Years of Public Service

The striking sculpture features an image of Prime Minister Modi with folded hands, accompanied by messages highlighting his 25-year public life and his vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Sharing the artwork, Pattnaik congratulated the Prime Minister and said the sand sculpture was a humble tribute to his “remarkable journey” and vision for a developed India.

The installation carries prominent messages including “25 YEARS Of Public Service” and “The Spirit of Service, Modi Ji’s Vision for Viksit Bharat.”

Artwork Draws Attention at Puri Beach

The sand sculpture has attracted attention from visitors at the popular Puri beach, while photographs of the artwork shared online have also received appreciation from netizens.

Known for creating sand sculptures on prominent personalities, national occasions and global events, Pattnaik once again used the sands of Puri to mark a significant milestone in the public life of the Prime Minister.

Odisha Government Reshuffles IAS Cadre, Appoints New Collectors for Nabarangpur and Nuapada

Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): The Odisha Government on Wednesday carried out a minor reshuffle in the IAS cadre, including the appointment of new Collectors for Nabarangpur and Nuapada.

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The General Administration & Public Grievance Department issued a notification announcing transfers and fresh postings involving seven IAS officers.

New Collectors for Two Districts

Anya Das, IAS (RR-2019), currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Health and Family Welfare Department, has been appointed Collector and District Magistrate of Nabarangpur.

Similarly, Madhumita, IAS (RR-2020), who recently joined the General Administration & Public Grievance Department after availing maternity leave, has been posted as Collector and District Magistrate of Nuapada.

The two appointments follow the transfer of the incumbent Collectors of the respective districts.

Existing Collectors Get New Assignments

Dr Maheswar Swain, IAS (SCS-2014), who was serving as Collector and District Magistrate of Nabarangpur, has been transferred and appointed Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister.

Madhusudan Dash, IAS (SCS-2014), Collector and District Magistrate of Nuapada, has been posted as Additional Secretary to the Government in the GA & PG Department.

In another posting, Pradeep Kumar Nayak, IAS (SCS-2014), Additional Commissioner of the Additional Revisional Court, Bhubaneswar, has been appointed Additional Secretary in the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department.

Other Administrative Changes

The government has also made changes at the sub-divisional level.

Ashni A L, IAS (RR-2023), Under Secretary in the Health and Family Welfare Department, has been transferred and posted as Sub-Collector, Bhabanipatana.

Her predecessor, Kasturi Sha, IAS (RR-2024), Sub-Collector, Bhabanipatana, has been transferred and posted as Under Secretary to the Government in the GA & PG Department.

The latest reshuffle is part of the State Government’s ongoing administrative reorganisation and includes changes at both district and departmental levels.

United Nations Spotlight Initiative launches Sync or Storm, a new interactive game to help prevent violence against women and girls before it starts

Built on Equimundo: Center for Masculinity & Social Justice’s research into boyhood and masculinity, the game aims to raise awareness among young people about the attitudes and behaviours that contribute towards violence against women and girls.

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The United Nations Spotlight Initiative has introduced Sync or Storm, an immersive adventure game for young people, as part of the #WithHer digital advocacy campaign to build awareness, encourage positive intervention, and advance efforts to end violence against women and girls.

With nearly one in three women experiencing violence during their lifetime, the need for prevention is critical. As digital spaces become an increasingly important part of young people’s lives, Sync or Storm reaches kids where they already spend their time, using interactive gameplay to encourage positive behaviours and collaborative problem-solving.

“Gaming has become an important space where young people connect, interact and shape how they see the world,” said Koye Adeboye, Head of Communications for the United Nations Spotlight Initiative. “Through this campaign, we aim to reach some of the estimated 43 million Roblox users under the age of 13 who play every day. If we are serious about preventing violence before it starts, we need to engage young people in the spaces where they spend their time.”

Developed by Bad Ape in collaboration with Equimundo and Spotlight Initiative, the interactive game encourages young players to reflect on how their actions affect others.

The game’s foundation is informed by Equimundo’s Man Box research in the US, UK and Mexico, which found that those with the most rigid views of manhood were up to five times more likely to bully or sexually harass others, and were also more likely to report depression and suicidal thoughts (Hill et al., 2020). The Global Early Adolescent Study also surveyed 10–14-year-olds globally and showed that gender norms are already entrenched by early adolescence.

Caroline Hayes, Senior Technical Specialist, Digital Strategies at Equimundo, said: “Boys don’t form harmful ideas about manhood in isolation; they absorb them from the culture around them, including the games they play. Sync or Storm shows boys at a formative age that respect and cooperation are expressions of strength. That’s exactly the kind of prevention work we need more of.”

Sync or Storm is now available on Roblox.

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Assam Rifles Jawan V Teja Cremated With Full Military Honours in Rayagada

Rayagada, Oct 7 (UDN): Assam Rifles jawan V Teja, who succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during operational duty in Nagaland, was cremated with full military honours at Swargadwara in Siriguda, Rayagada, on Wednesday.

The final rites drew a large gathering of residents, youths and ex-servicemen, who assembled to pay their last respects to the soldier and honour his sacrifice.

Teja’s mortal remains had reached Rayagada late Tuesday night after being transported from Visakhapatnam by ambulance. Earlier, his body was flown to Guwahati and subsequently taken to Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam before being brought to his hometown.

Guard of Honour Before Final Rites

Rayagada Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni and Superintendent of Police paid floral tributes to the jawan before his final journey.

The Assam Rifles personnel accompanying the mortal remains accorded Teja a Guard of Honour as part of the military funeral.

Local residents gathered along the route to bid a final farewell to the soldier, with many expressing solidarity with his family and saluting his service to the nation.

Joined Assam Rifles in 2022

Teja, a resident of the Katur area of Rayagada town, had joined the force in 2022.

According to reports, he sustained gunshot wounds while performing operational duties in Nagaland. He was subsequently admitted for treatment but succumbed to his injuries.

His death has left his family and the local community in deep grief.

Final Farewell on His 31st Birthday

In a poignant coincidence, Teja was cremated on what would have been his 31st birthday.

The jawan was also reportedly scheduled to get married in December this year, adding to the tragedy surrounding his untimely death.

As Rayagada bid farewell to the young soldier, his family, fellow personnel and residents remembered him for his service and the sacrifice he made in the line of duty.

CM Majhi Hails PM Modi’s 25 Years in Public Life, Calls Journey an Inspiration

Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years in public life, describing his political journey as an example of dedicated public service, social justice and committed leadership.

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In a series of posts on X, Majhi praised Modi’s long tenure in public service and said his contribution to governance had strengthened the democratic ethos of the country.

The Odisha Chief Minister said Modi’s 25-year journey, marked by a focus on social justice and the welfare of marginalised sections, would continue to serve as an example of selfless leadership for future generations.

Majhi also highlighted what he described as the Prime Minister’s governance philosophy, saying that public trust remains central to effective governance.

Modi’s Vision Inspiring Odisha’s Development

Majhi said Modi’s vision of an empowered and developed Bharat was providing fresh momentum to Odisha’s development priorities.

“Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India continues to move forward with the spirit of Seva, Sankalp and Samarpan,” Majhi said, referring to the principles of service, resolve and dedication.

He added that Modi’s journey of 25 years in public life continues to inspire millions of people across the country.

‘India Has Emerged as a Self-Reliant Global Power’

In another message, Majhi credited Modi’s leadership with helping India strengthen its position on the global stage.

He said the past 25 years had been marked by “visionary resolve and relentless duty” and asserted that India had emerged as a more confident and self-reliant global power.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Odisha, I offer my deepest congratulations on this significant accomplishment,” Majhi said.

The Chief Minister’s remarks come as BJP leaders and supporters across the country mark Modi’s completion of 25 years in public service, highlighting his transition from Gujarat politics to national leadership.

Odisha Bandh on October 8: Transport, Markets and Schools May Face Disruptions

Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): Odisha is bracing for a statewide bandh on Thursday, October 8, with the INDIA bloc opposition parties calling for a 12-hour shutdown over a range of political and governance-related issues.

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The bandh was announced by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das on behalf of the alliance. Congress and its allies, including the CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP, Samajwadi Party and RJD, are backing the agitation.

The opposition has appealed to people to support the shutdown and said the bandh would be observed peacefully across the State.

Why Has the Bandh Been Called?

The INDIA bloc has listed several demands behind the October 8 shutdown.

A key demand is the withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. Opposition parties have alleged that the amended law could undermine Odisha’s interests in its mineral resources and affect the State’s financial rights.

The alliance is also demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The demand for Kumar’s resignation has become a major issue in the Opposition’s ongoing campaign.

Another major issue is the controversy over errors in school textbooks. The Opposition has sought accountability from the State Government and demanded the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.

Transport Services May Be Hit

Normal movement of vehicles is expected to be affected in several parts of Odisha during the bandh.

Public and private transport services may face disruptions as supporters could stage road blockades and demonstrations at major junctions. Commuters travelling between cities and districts have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly.

Railway services are not automatically covered by a bandh call, but road blockades and protests near transport hubs could affect access to railway stations.

Shops and Markets

Commercial establishments, markets and shops may remain closed in areas where traders and business associations extend support to the bandh.

The extent of disruption, however, is likely to vary from district to district depending on local participation.

Schools and Colleges

There is no indication in the material reviewed of a blanket statewide government order directing all schools and colleges to close for the bandh.

However, educational institutions may take local decisions depending on the situation in their respective areas. Students and parents should therefore check advisories issued by their individual institutions before travelling.

Essential Services Expected to Continue

Essential and emergency services are generally expected to remain operational during the bandh.

These include:

Hospitals and emergency medical services
Ambulances
Pharmacies
Fire and rescue services
Electricity and water supply
Other essential services

Authorities are expected to deploy additional security personnel at sensitive locations, including major roads, transport hubs and government establishments, to prevent violence, forced closures and disruption of essential services.

Government, Police on Alert

The bandh comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity in Odisha. The INDIA bloc had earlier staged protests over the MMDR amendment, SIR and textbook controversy, with tensions reported during demonstrations in Bhubaneswar.

The State administration is expected to closely monitor the situation and take steps to maintain law and order throughout the 12-hour shutdown.

ChainIT® Brings “Your Face Is Your Password” to Web3 with Organizational MPC Wallets

Production wallets combine passwordless ChainIT ID with transaction-specific authority checks, advancing Agentic Web3 Complete Commerce during TOKEN2049 Week.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ChainIT Inc. today announced production availability of its organizational Multi-Party Computation (MPC) wallets, connecting passwordless ChainIT ID with transaction-specific authority checks before signing. This release requires a verified, authorized organizational member to approve each transaction signed through the wallet. The capability is included at no additional cost in each ChainIT organizational digital identity profile.

The announcement follows ChainIT’s October 6 presentation of its Agentic Web3 Complete Commerce architecture during TOKEN2049 Week. The wallet launch focuses on the people and organizations behind those transactions: confirming who they are, confirming they are currently authorized to act, and requiring their approval before any funds move.

“A password is not a verified identity, and logging in is not authority to move company assets,” said Jeremy Blackburn, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ChainIT. “ChainIT connects who you are, what you are authorized to do and the transaction you approve. Your face is your password. Your authority is verified before the wallet signs. That is a Web3 solution for Web3 companies.”

No memorized password. No blanket permission.

Passwords and passphrases can be copied, shared, phished or forgotten. ChainIT ID removes the need for a memorized account password or passphrase, combining biometric liveness, device verification and cryptographic proof of identity. One-time verification challenges remain part of applicable security workflows.

In the organizational wallet flow, the member completes biometric liveness and wallet authentication, then signs an operation-specific approval using their own wallet identity. The live-person check occurs outside the signing enclaves. The Primary enclave—the isolated environment that verifies authorization before signing—then confirms that the wallet-signed approval came from a registered member of the organization and matches the requested action.

Authority before every transaction – not just at onboarding

Before any transaction is signed through the organization’s wallet, the Primary enclave runs a series of checks. It confirms that the wallet approval is valid, that the person is still an active member of the organization, and that the approval matches the exact action and transaction being requested. Each approval also expires after a short time and can be used only once. Logging in or approving one transaction does not give anyone permission to carry out a different one.

ChainIT’s organizational governance model connects officer registration, assigned roles and authority, and attested wallet policy. Invitations, member additions and member removals require their own verified authorization. The objective is to connect not only who may transact, but also who may change the permissions governing future transactions.

Distributed signing without assembling the private key

The organizational wallet uses two-party Multi-Party Computation (MPC) signing. Its signing key is represented by two separate cryptographic shares, each protected inside an isolated AWS Nitro Enclave. Both enclaves must participate to produce a standard Ethereum-compatible signature without reconstructing the complete private key. Persisted MPC key material is encrypted.

A member’s personal authorization key is separate from those organizational signing shares. The member approves the specific action; the Primary enclave verifies the authorization before initiating the joint signing process. The organizational shares remain within the enclave infrastructure, not on members’ devices. Neither MPC party can produce the organizational signature alone.

A Web3 solution for Web3 companies

ChainIT ID can be used wherever ChainIT-enabled applications support it, rather than requiring a new password for each participating service. Each integration retains its applicable verification, authorization and product requirements. ChainIT invites wallet providers, exchanges, marketplaces, payment platforms and enterprise Web3 teams to explore integrations for verified access and governed organizational transactions.

“Web3 companies need more than just another way to sign a transaction,” said Eric Tacl, PhD, Executive Vice President, Verified Payments and Commerce, at ChainIT. “They need to connect the verified person, the organization, the appropriate level of authority and the action. Passwordless access simplifies the experience. Verifying authority for each specific transaction gives businesses control over what happens next.”

The production wallet adds a human-authorized execution component to ChainIT’s broader Complete Commerce architecture, which places authority and transaction-specific compliance before execution and preserves transaction evidence. This release covers transactions approved by people. Full integration with partners’ systems and transactions carried out by AI agents within set limits are being developed and tested separately.

Availability and TOKEN2049 meetings

The organizational MPC wallet is available in production as of October 6, 2026 and is included in new ChainIT organizational digital identity profiles at no additional cost. Existing organizational wallets are being migrated from the prior model. Supported functionality and integrations vary by deployment.

Dr. Eric Tacl is representing ChainIT at TOKEN2049 in Singapore and is available for media, product and integration discussions. Meeting requests and further information are available through ChainIT’s TOKEN2049 Singapore page.

About ChainIT®

ChainIT is native Web3 infrastructure for verified identity, provable authority, compliance and Complete Commerce. Its Web3 architecture is supported by a portfolio of 15 issued patents. ChainIT connects passwordless identity, organizational governance, digital agreements, payments and verifiable transaction evidence, bringing authority and accountability to commerce involving people, organizations and AI agents.

ChainIT technology already supports treasury operations at major U.S. banks, connecting its Web3 foundation to established financial infrastructure. Through ChainIT ID, organizational MPC wallets, Pactvera and ChainIT Pay, the platform connects who is acting, what they are authorized to do and the transaction they approve across ChainIT-enabled environments.

ChainIT® — The Authority on Authority™ for Agentic Commerce.

https://chainit.com/singapore-token2049/

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