4, Oct 2026
Blokees Debuts 90+ New Products at Wonder Festival Shanghai 2026
SHANGHAI, Oct. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From October 3 to 4, Assembly Character Toys Brand Blokees exhibited at Wonder Festival Shanghai 2026, featuring nearly 500 products across its two core categories, Blokees Model Kits and BLOKEES WHEELS. More than 90 new products made their debut, highlighting Blokees’ continued expansion across product categories, IPs and consumer segments.
The Blokees Model Kits portfolio covers hero collecting, model kit collecting, animal-themed products and fashion-oriented products, featuring more than 10 global IPs including ULTRAMAN, TRANSFORMERS, Saint Seiya, Evangelion and DC. Products for collectors aged 16 and above were a key focus, with nearly 40 products exhibited across Champion, Champion Lite, Fantastic and Legend series , including more than 20 new products making their debut. Notably, DC made its first commercial appearance in the Legend series.
Blokees continues to expand its product ecosystem. Blokees also exhibited the latest products from its TERRAVENTURE Series and DaaLaMode Series. The TERRAVENTURE Series features animal-themed model kits based on Jurassic World, while the DaaLaMode Series combines assembly, articulation, and fashion play, expanding Blokees’ offerings across different consumer segments.
In the Blokees Wheels category, Blokees exhibited its C, E, and S Series, featuring IPs including Transformers, Ultraman, and Batman. New products based on Cyberpunk 2077, Fast & Furious × Ford and Fast & Furious × Dodge were also exhibited for the first time, further expanding the category’s offerings for vehicle enthusiasts.
Beyond products, Blokees also exhibited winning works from the “Dawn” and “Awakening” seasons of the 2026 BFC Creation Contest. Through BFC, Blokees connects players worldwide through creation and sharing, with the community now spanning 21 countries and regions.
Blokees will continue to strengthen its two core categories and expand its global product and creator ecosystem under its strategy of “Universally appealing, Stepwise pricing, Globally promoting.”
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- By Sai Krishna
3, Oct 2026
Chandigarh University Research Scientists gets 17 lakh grant from Punjab State Council for Science & Technology; to build skilled manpower for nature conservation and Ecotourism
Chandigarh University to Train Youth as Nature Conservators and Ecotourism Guides, Creating Conservation-Linked Livelihoods
CHANDIGARH, India, Oct. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Biosciences at Chandigarh University has secured a grant of over Rs 17 lakhs from Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) under the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India for conducting a three-month specialized training programme on ‘Nature Conservator-cum-Ecotourism Guide’ aimed at building a skilled workforce in nature conservation, sustainable and responsible tourism and green entrepreneurship.
Notably, the GSDP initiative was developed with an aim to create skilled workforce for environment and forest-related sectors with training designed to support gainful employment and self-employment.
Sanctioned by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) through its Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Hub, the programme will train 20 participants through a combination of classroom learning, practical training, field exposure and entrepreneurship-oriented skill development.
Prof (Dr) LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences Chandigarh University and Principal Investigator of the programme, along with experts including (Prof) Dr. Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Chandigarh University and Dr. Sangeeta from the Department of Biosciences from CU will contribute to the academic and practical delivery of the programme.
Sharing the details about the programme, Dr LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences said, “The three-month programme will provide participants with extensive practical exposure, with the proposed training structure comprising approximately 35–40 per cent theory and 60–65 per cent practical and skill-based learning. Participants will be trained in areas including biodiversity assessment, identification of flora and fauna, wildlife and bird observation, nature interpretation, ecosystem understanding, sustainable tourism planning, ecotourism operations, hospitality, environmental monitoring, digital marketing, business planning and entrepreneurship.”
Prof (Dr) Attri added, “A significant component of the programme will be field-based learning. Participants are expected to visit ecologically and tourism-relevant locations including the Siswan Ecotourism Project, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh Biodiversity Park, Chhatbir Zoological Park, Ropar Wetland, Morni Hills, Pinjore Heritage Gardens, Timber Trail, organic farms, village homestays in the Shivalik region, Hoshiarpur Eco Resort, Kalesar National Park and Harike Wetland. Such exposure will enable trainees to understand how conservation, visitor management, interpretation and local livelihood opportunities can be integrated at actual destinations.”
Prof (Dr) Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Chandigarh University said, “The programme carries a defined employment outcome with the sanction requiring 50 per cent gainful placement of trained candidates in relevant sectors. This places employability and livelihood generation at the centre of the training rather than limiting the programme to academic certification. The potential career opportunities emerging from the training span nature guiding, ecotourism operations, wildlife and birding activities, rural tourism, homestay management, hospitality, destination interpretation, conservation-related work and nature-based entrepreneurship. These skills can contribute to the growing demand for trained professionals in Punjab’s nature conservation, ecotourism and sustainable tourism sectors. The sanctioned amount will cover course materials and training kits, boarding and lodging, transportation and field visits, honorarium, and other expenses for the three-month residential training programme for 20 trainees and resource persons.”
Dr Sangeeta, Department of Biosciences, Chandigarh University, shared that initiative is also expected to strengthen collaboration between academia, government agencies, conservation organisations, tourism stakeholders and local communities. Its field-oriented design can provide participants with direct understanding of protected areas, wetlands, biodiversity parks, rural tourism sites and community-based tourism models while also introducing them to the operational and entrepreneurial dimensions of the sector. For Chandigarh University, the grant adds another dimension to its engagement with green skills by connecting scientific training, tourism education and livelihood development. With nature-based tourism increasingly requiring trained personnel who understand both ecological systems and visitor needs, the programme is positioned to develop professionals capable of contributing to conservation as well as responsible tourism.
The programme comes at a time when ecotourism and nature-based tourism are increasingly recognised for combining responsible travel with biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, environmental awareness and sustainable livelihood generation. Unlike conventional tourism, ecotourism places greater emphasis on environmental protection, community participation, cultural preservation and nature-based enterprises. Punjab’s diverse natural assets, including the Shivalik foothills, wetlands, riverine habitats, forests, biodiversity parks and wildlife sanctuaries, offer significant scope for developing such responsible tourism models and generating conservation-linked livelihood opportunities.
With expertise coming together from Chandigarh University’s Departments of Biosciences and Tourism & Hospitality Management, the interdisciplinary training will combine ecological knowledge with nature interpretation, biodiversity documentation, sustainable tourism practices, hospitality, destination management and enterprise development, preparing participants for responsible tourism and conservation-related livelihoods. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of GSDP to develop green-skilled human resources equipped for sustainable development, with programmes across the country covering nature conservation, ecotourism and livelihood-oriented training. Through the sanctioned programme, Chandigarh University will train 20 participants in a specialized green skill, combining field-based learning, practical training and employability-focused outcomes to support the development of skilled manpower for Punjab’s nature conservation, ecotourism and sustainable tourism sectors.
About Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.
Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/
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3, Oct 2026
Odisha to Stay Hot and Humid Till October 7 as Monsoon Retreats
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): Odisha is likely to continue experiencing hot and humid weather until October 7, with elevated temperatures and high moisture levels making conditions uncomfortable across the state.
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The heat is expected to be noticeable from the morning, while warm and humid conditions may persist through the night, adding to discomfort for residents.
Clearer Skies, Rising Day Temperatures
The gradual withdrawal of the southwest monsoon is bringing clearer skies to several parts of Odisha. Reduced cloud cover is allowing stronger sunlight to reach the surface, contributing to a rise in daytime temperatures.
At the same time, moisture remaining in the atmosphere following the recent rainy spell is contributing to higher humidity. As surface moisture evaporates under strong sunshine, the combination of heat and humidity can make temperatures feel considerably more oppressive.
October Brings Cyclone Watch
October marks the beginning of the period when Odisha’s coast typically remains vulnerable to weather systems developing over the Bay of Bengal. Low-pressure areas and depressions can form during October and November and may subsequently influence weather conditions along the coast and adjoining regions.
Before the development of such systems, wind speeds over land may occasionally weaken. Lower wind movement, combined with high temperatures and humidity, can further intensify the feeling of heat.
For now, residents may have to wait a few more days for noticeable relief, with hot and humid conditions likely to continue across Odisha through October 7.
3, Oct 2026
BJD Reshuffles Media Team, Names 10 National Spokespersons
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has undertaken a major restructuring of its communication apparatus, appointing 10 national spokespersons and revamping its Media, Social Media and IT cells.
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The organisational changes were announced through a fresh party order issued on Friday, superseding earlier arrangements.
10 Leaders Named National Spokespersons
The newly appointed national spokespersons are Dr Santrupt Misra, Dr Sasmit Patra, Manas Mangaraj, Sulata Deo, Subhashish Khuntia, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, Chiranjib Biswal, Pradip Majhi, Lekhasri Samantasinghar and Bhrugu Buxipatra.
New Media Cell Structure
The reconstituted Media Cell has been divided into electronic and print media wings, along with dedicated responsibilities for social media and IT.
For electronic media, Dr Arun Kumar Sahoo has been appointed Chief Coordinator, while Debesh Acharya and Lenin Mohanty will serve as Senior Coordinator and Coordinator respectively.
In the print media wing, Sanjay Kumar Das Burma has been named Chief Coordinator, with Goutam Buddha Das as Senior Coordinator and Priyabrata Majhi as Coordinator.
The Social Media and IT Cell will be headed by Pratap Jena as Chief Coordinator. Pranab Kumar Balabantaray has been appointed Senior Coordinator, while Swayam Prakash Mahapatra will oversee social media coordination and Amresh Patri will handle IT coordination.
30 State Spokespersons Announced
The party has also constituted a 30-member state spokesperson panel featuring senior BJD leaders, including Ranendra Pratap Swain, Prasanna Acharya, Debi Prasad Mishra, Pramila Mallick, Pratap Keshari Deb, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Niranjan Pujari, Pranab Prakash Das, Dibya Shankar Mishra, Tukuni Sahu, Snehangini Chhuria, Sulochana Das, Subash Singh, Ranjita Sahoo, Chinmaya Sahu and Ipsita Sahoo, among others.
The latest appointments mark a restructuring of the party’s communication framework across national, state, traditional media and digital platforms.
3, Oct 2026
CM Majhi Announces Rs 11 Lakh Reward for Each Indian Women’s Hockey Player After Asian Games Gold
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh each for members of the Indian women’s hockey team following their gold medal triumph at the 2026 Asian Games.
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The Chief Minister also announced Rs 5.5 lakh each for the team’s support staff, recognising their contribution to India’s historic title-winning campaign.
Majhi Hails Team’s Determination
The Chief Minister’s Office, in a post on X, congratulated the players for their impressive performance, determination and commitment, saying their achievement had brought immense pride to the country.
The CMO also reiterated the Odisha government’s commitment to promoting hockey and supporting athletes in their pursuit of sporting excellence.
“Odisha Government stands firmly with Indian hockey and remains committed to supporting and nurturing sporting excellence,” the CMO said.
India Ends Four-Decade Wait for Gold
India secured the women’s hockey gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after defeating defending champions China 1-0 in a closely contested final on Friday.
The victory ended India’s wait of more than four decades for the Asian Games women’s hockey gold and also earned the team direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The triumph adds another significant chapter to Indian women’s hockey and highlights the growing success of the country’s athletes on the international stage.
3, Oct 2026
Tunnel Breakthrough Marks Major Milestone in Kottavalasa-Koraput Doubling Project
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): The Kottavalasa-Koraput Doubling Project has reached a key construction milestone with the successful breakthrough of Tunnel No. 41-41A between Borra Guhalu and Karakavalasa stations under the Rayagada Division of East Coast Railway.
The breakthrough was achieved on October 1 with 100 per cent alignment accuracy, marking another significant step towards strengthening railway connectivity along the challenging Kottavalasa-Koraput route.
829-Metre Tunnel Over Curved Alignment
Tunnel No. 41-41A stretches 829 metres and has been constructed in a horseshoe-shaped configuration. The tunnel alignment passes through a section featuring a curve of up to 8 degrees, adding to the engineering challenges involved in its construction.
The breakthrough was completed in the Borra Guhalu-Karakavalasa block section, reflecting the precision required for executing railway infrastructure projects in the region’s difficult terrain.
Boost to Rail Capacity
The successful completion of the tunnel breakthrough is expected to facilitate further progress on the Kottavalasa-Koraput doubling works.
Once the doubling project is completed, the additional railway line is expected to increase route capacity, improve operational efficiency and enable smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains.
The latest achievement underscores the steady progress being made on the project and represents another step towards upgrading rail infrastructure along the strategically important Kottavalasa-Koraput corridor.
3, Oct 2026
Durga Puja Weather Watch: Rain May Disrupt Festivities in Odisha; Low-Pressure System Likely Around October 12
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): Durga Puja celebrations in Odisha could face intermittent rain this year, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating the possibility of a weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal around mid-October.
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According to the latest weather outlook, an upper-air cyclonic circulation may develop over the north Andaman Sea around October 12. The system could subsequently trigger the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.
Weather System May Develop Around October 12
The anticipated system may move towards the Bay of Bengal and could gradually intensify into a depression, with a possible movement towards the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coast in the following days.
If the system develops as indicated, it could bring widespread rainfall to parts of Odisha during the Durga Puja period, potentially affecting outdoor celebrations and festive activities.
However, meteorological officials have stressed that the forecast remains subject to change, and a clearer picture is expected once the system enters the medium-range forecast window.
Mostly Dry Conditions in the Immediate Future
For the next couple of days, Odisha is expected to experience mostly dry weather.
Thereafter, isolated parts of the state may receive light to moderate rainfall for around three to four days. Weather conditions are likely to be monitored closely as the anticipated system approaches.
Southwest Monsoon Withdrawal Underway
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is continuing its withdrawal from different parts of the country.
The Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre has indicated that the monsoon is likely to begin withdrawing from Odisha next week.
Despite the expected onset of post-monsoon conditions, the potential development over the Bay of Bengal could influence weather across Odisha during the festive season.
Authorities and residents are likely to keep a close watch on subsequent IMD updates as Durga Puja approaches, particularly if the weather system strengthens and moves closer to the Odisha coast.
3, Oct 2026
Odisha Launches ‘Sujal’ Campaign to Promote Water Conservation and Safe Drinking Water
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): The Odisha government has launched the ‘Sujal’ campaign across the state to raise awareness about water conservation, safe drinking water and the prevention of water-borne diseases.
Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra launched the campaign in Bhubaneswar on Friday. The statewide awareness drive will continue from October 2 to October 16.
Focus on Saving Water
Launched by the Housing and Urban Development Department, the campaign aims to encourage citizens to use water responsibly and make conservation a part of their everyday lives.
Through the initiative, people will be sensitised to the importance of conserving water resources while ensuring that drinking water is stored, handled and consumed safely.
The campaign also seeks to create greater awareness about the link between unsafe drinking water and water-borne diseases.
Citizens Urged to Join the Drive
The government has appealed to people across Odisha to actively participate in the campaign and adopt simple water-saving practices at home and in their communities.
Officials and civic bodies are expected to undertake awareness activities during the campaign period to reinforce the message of responsible water use and public health.
Helplines for Water Supply Complaints
Residents facing problems related to water supply can seek assistance through the department’s toll-free helplines.
For complaints or water supply-related issues, citizens can contact 155359 or 1800-1216-833.
The government has urged citizens to use the helplines when required and support the broader objective of ensuring sustainable water use and access to safe drinking water across Odisha.
The ‘Sujal’ campaign is aimed at turning water conservation from a government initiative into a daily public practice, with community participation at the centre of the drive.
3, Oct 2026
Odisha Launches 44-Day Statewide Campaign to Make Gram Panchayats Child Labour-Free
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): The Odisha government has launched a 44-day statewide campaign aimed at making Gram Panchayats across the state free from child labour and creating greater public awareness about the importance of education and child protection.
The campaign, titled ‘Shishu Shram Mukta Gram Panchayat’ (Child Labour-Free Gram Panchayat), was launched on Friday on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
CM Calls for Collective Action
Announcing the initiative through a video message, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said child labour remains a social concern that prevents children and adolescents from accessing their fundamental right to education.
He said the government has resolved to work towards making Odisha free from child labour and that the 44-day campaign will be taken to every Gram Panchayat in the state.
According to the Chief Minister, eliminating child labour cannot be achieved by government agencies alone and requires active participation from communities, families and other stakeholders.
Focus on Awareness and Prevention
The campaign will focus on educating people about the adverse impact of child labour and encouraging communities to identify and prevent practices that push children into work.
Officials and local-level stakeholders will work to strengthen awareness about children’s rights and encourage families to ensure that children remain in school rather than entering the workforce.
The initiative is also aimed at promoting a safer environment in which children can continue their education and pursue their aspirations.
CM Links Child Welfare With Prosperous Odisha
Majhi said ensuring the overall development of children is essential to achieving the broader vision of a ‘Samruddha Odisha’ (Prosperous Odisha).
Appealing to citizens to participate in the campaign, he urged communities across the state to work together towards eliminating child labour.
The Chief Minister said the objective is to create an Odisha where every child has the opportunity to dream, receive an education and work towards fulfilling those aspirations.
Statewide Data Remains a Challenge
The scale of child labour in Odisha has historically been significant. The last dedicated statewide survey, conducted in 1997, had identified 2,15,222 child labourers in the state.
However, the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has pointed out that no systematic statewide survey has been carried out since then.
The absence of recent comprehensive data remains a challenge in assessing the current scale and distribution of child labour across Odisha.
The 44-day campaign is therefore expected to place renewed emphasis on grassroots-level awareness, community participation and efforts to protect children from labour while ensuring their access to education.
3, Oct 2026
Kartika Brata Habishyali Scheme: Online Registration Opens October 6 for 2,500 Women
Puri, Oct. 3 (UDN): Women planning to observe the month-long Kartika Brata in Puri can apply for the Odisha government’s Habishyali scheme from October 6, with the district administration making arrangements for accommodation, darshan and Mahaprasad.
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The online registration process will begin at 10 am on October 6 and remain open until all 2,500 available seats are filled.
The Kartika Brata observance will be held from October 26 to November 24 this year.
Applications Only Through Online Portal
Eligible women from all 30 districts of Odisha can apply through the government’s official e-District portal. Since the number of seats is limited, registration will close as soon as the 2,500-seat capacity is reached.
The administration has also decided to give priority to new applicants this year.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is open to:
Widowed women up to 70 years of age
Married women between 50 and 70 years
Applicants must be physically and mentally fit to observe the Kartika Brata.
Free Stay, Darshan and Mahaprasad
Under the scheme, accommodation for the selected Habishyalis has been arranged at three locations in Puri — Brundabati Niwas, the Municipal Kalyan Mandap and the Railway Tourist Complex.
Beneficiaries will receive free accommodation, along with special arrangements for darshan at Srimandir and free Abadha Mahaprasad during their stay.
Volunteers will assist the beneficiaries with accommodation and help ensure smooth movement during temple darshan.
Administration Steps Up Preparations
The Puri district administration said preparations have been completed through coordination among different government departments.
Puri ADM Sarat Chandra Behera said officials would be deployed at the accommodation centres as well as during the beneficiaries’ temple visits. Volunteers from organisations including St John Ambulance and the Red Cross will also assist the administration.
While special arrangements are being made for the 2,500 registered beneficiaries, the administration is also working on arrangements for darshan for other elderly and local Habishyalis visiting Puri during Kartika Brata.
With the month-long religious observance approaching, authorities are focusing on accommodation, security, crowd management and hassle-free darshan for devotees.
