29, Sep 2026
CAG Flags Financial And Procedural Lapses Across Odisha Government Departments
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has flagged a series of financial, procedural and implementation lapses across key Odisha government departments, including irrigation, mining, fisheries, forests and public works.
The findings form part of the CAG Compliance Audit Report for the year ended March 31, 2024, covering the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Steel and Mines, Water Resources and Works departments.
The report, prepared for submission to the Governor under Article 151 of the Constitution, highlights unfruitful expenditure, non-recovery of government dues, project delays and instances where prescribed clearances were allegedly not obtained before execution of works.
Rs 91.57 Crore Spent On Incomplete Irrigation Projects
In the Water Resources Department, the audit found that 38 Minor Irrigation Projects were awarded without completing land acquisition and obtaining forest clearances.
As a result, headworks and distribution systems remained incomplete, rendering expenditure of Rs 91.57 crore unfruitful, according to the CAG.
The audit also pointed to unrealistic budgeting and underutilisation of funds between 2021 and 2024, resulting in the surrender of Rs 520.60 crore.
Other findings included an inadmissible payment of Rs 6.49 crore towards contingency charges to OCCL and non-recovery of Rs 67.54 crore in interest on advances totalling Rs 510.19 crore released to the organisation.
Pipeline Works Leave Nearly 19,291 Hectares Without Irrigation
The CAG also highlighted delays in 64 Underground Pipeline works.
According to the report, the delays left 19,290.951 hectares of cultivated command area without irrigation as of March 2025.
In another finding, the audit said seven check dams on which Rs 4.26 crore was spent between April 2023 and January 2025 appeared, based on geo-spatial verification, to have existed before the agreements were executed.
The CAG said the possibility of fraudulent payment could not be ruled out and recommended examination of the matter.
Mining Dues Worth Crores Flagged
The Steel and Mines Department also came under the auditor’s scanner.
The CAG detected short levy of Rs 92.38 crore in royalty and other mining dues due to the exclusion of sizing charges from the Run-of-Mine coal price while calculating royalty.
It further found that Rs 69.53 crore in interest on delayed payment of mining dues had not been levied and realised.
The audit also identified instances of mineral production beyond permitted limits or without the required Consent to Operate and environmental clearance, resulting in liabilities running into several crores.
In one case involving two coal mines, production of 1,17,96,540 tonnes beyond or without the prescribed environmental clearance attracted a reported liability of Rs 975.57 crore.
Fisheries, Forest Departments Also Flagged
In the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, the CAG found that 494 incinerators could not be installed or put to use because three-phase electricity was unavailable.
This resulted in wasteful expenditure of Rs 16.60 crore, according to the report.
The Forest Department, meanwhile, suffered non-realisation of Rs 25.90 lakh due to delays in disposing of seized timber, poles and firewood.
Works Sector Sees Cost Overruns, Blocked Funds
The audit also pointed to several lapses in the Water Resources and Works departments.
These included an avoidable additional expenditure of Rs 3.86 crore due to the use of higher-grade cement concrete in canal lining, besides alleged undue benefits to contractors through transportation and dewatering provisions.
A bridge project in Keonjhar also resulted in Rs 4.07 crore of funds remaining blocked due to its incomplete status.
The CAG clarified that while the principal audit period was 2023-24, instances from earlier years and matters relating to subsequent periods were also included wherever considered relevant.
The findings underline the need for stronger financial controls, timely execution of projects and compliance with statutory requirements across the departments examined.
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- By Neel Achary
29, Sep 2026
realme announces INR 500 crore worth of festive offers, bringing unbeatable value to consumers
New Delhi, September 29, 2026: realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, is gearing up to make this Diwali more exciting with its “Real Wali Diwali” celebrations, bringing ₹500 crore worth of offers across its portfolio of smartphones & AIOT products
As part of its Real Wali Diwali celebrations, realme will bring attractive offers and benefits for consumers looking to upgrade their devices during the festive shopping season. The offers will be available on Flipkart during the Big Billion Days Sale and realme.com, along with mainline stores nationwide giving consumers access to exciting deals across the brand’s latest offerings.
With these festive offers, realme aims to make its technology more accessible to consumers while adding greater value to their festive shopping experience. The ₹500 crore festive offer will further strengthen realme’s commitment to bringing innovative products and compelling value to Indian consumers.
29, Sep 2026
3.9-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Debagarh, Tremors Felt In Angul
Angul, Sept. 29 (UDN): An earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale jolted Odisha’s Debagarh district late Monday night, with tremors also reported from parts of neighbouring Angul district.
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According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake struck at 10:48:20 pm on September 28, 2026.
Epicentre At 20-Km Depth
The NCS placed the epicentre at 21.179°N latitude and 84.774°E longitude, with the seismic activity originating at a depth of 20 kilometres.
The agency classified the earthquake as a reviewed event.
Tremors Felt Across Several Areas
Tremors were reported from multiple locations in Debagarh, including Chadheimara, Barkot, Debagarh, Kundheigola and Reamal.
Residents in parts of Angul also reportedly felt the tremors, with reports coming from Khamar, Patakamunda, Kosala and Bagadia, besides areas of Chhendipada block.
No Damage Reported
There were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage following the earthquake.
The sudden tremors, however, caused brief panic in some areas, with residents reportedly stepping outside their homes as a precaution.
Authorities and residents continue to monitor the situation, while further details regarding the impact of the tremors, if any, are awaited.
29, Sep 2026
World Heart Day: Heart Disease Is No Longer an Age-Defined Illness; Mumbai Experts Urge Early Risk Detection
Mumbai, Sept 29: Heart disease is no longer a health concern that can be viewed primarily through the lens of age. Mumbai’s fast-paced urban lifestyle, coupled with sedentary habits, tobacco exposure, unhealthy dietary patterns, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol, chronic stress and inadequate sleep, is creating a growing cardiovascular risk burden—even among people who may appear healthy and symptom-free.
The concern extends beyond conventional lifestyle factors. A study assessing the health impact of particulate pollution in Mumbai estimated that 10,880 deaths annually were attributable to PM2.5 exposure in 2015, with ischemic heart disease accounting for about 33.3% of PM2.5-attributable mortality in the analysis. More recent research across Indian cities has also found that a 10 µg/m³ increase in short-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 1.4% increase in daily mortality, highlighting the wider health implications of urban air pollution.
“Heart disease is no longer a condition that can be viewed primarily through the lens of age. We are increasingly seeing the importance of identifying cardiovascular risk much earlier, particularly among individuals with multiple risk factors,” said Dr. Ashish Mishra, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.
According to Dr. Mishra, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia can remain clinically silent while progressively affecting blood vessels and the heart. The combination of multiple risk factors can accelerate cardiovascular risk, making early identification particularly important.
“Preventive cardiology should move from a symptom-driven approach to a risk-based approach. A young person may feel completely healthy while already having several interacting cardiovascular risk factors. The objective is not to subject everyone to extensive cardiac testing, but to identify those who require earlier assessment based on their personal and family history, metabolic profile and lifestyle,” Dr. Ashish Mishra, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road added.
Dr. Anand Ram, Consultant Cardiologist, Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, emphasised that warning symptoms should never be dismissed, particularly when they are sudden, unusual or persistent. “Heart health should never be treated as an issue that can wait. Symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, unusual sweating, sudden fatigue or palpitations may sometimes indicate an underlying cardiac problem and should not be ignored,” said Dr. Ram.
He added that Mumbai’s urban lifestyle can make preventive health particularly challenging, with prolonged sitting, irregular eating patterns, stress, smoking and uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes potentially adding to cardiovascular risk.
“The key is early recognition and timely medical evaluation. Regular health check-ups, a heart-healthy diet, physical activity, adequate sleep and effective management of risk factors can go a long way in protecting the heart. Most importantly, prevention is not a one-day effort—it is a lifelong commitment to better heart health,” Dr. Anand Ram, Consultant Cardiologist, Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai said.
For Mumbai citizens, experts emphasise that cardiovascular prevention should begin before symptoms appear—with awareness of personal risk, regular monitoring and timely medical intervention when required.
29, Sep 2026
CTM and Huawei Jointly Launch the World’s First Integrated QKD-Communication Target IP Network to Reinforce Digital Security Across the Greater Bay Area
MACAO, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To counter the emerging network security challenges posed by quantum computing, CTM has actively embraced the national quantum strategy. It is designing a quantum-secured framework to build an integrated QKD-communication network security foundation, further enhancing the end-to-end transmission security of critical data. In addition, CTM plans to roll out quantum-secured private lines for enterprise and government sectors to unlock new growth opportunities while supporting Digital Macao and fortifying digital security across the Greater Bay Area. CTM and Huawei are pioneering the world’s first integrated QKD-communication target IP network, driving the development of the quantum industry chain throughout the region.
The rapid advancement of quantum computing is driving a disruptive shift in the global network security landscape. Encrypted data that would take traditional computers trillions of years to crack can now be breached in just minutes using quantum computing. This poses an unprecedented, seismic challenge to the security defenses of critical digital assets and sensitive data. To strengthen China’s digital security defenses, the 15th Five-Year Plan Outline has designated quantum technology as a strategic future industry.
CTM and Huawei have jointly launched the world’s first integrated QKD-communication target network. Innovative QKD-communication integration combines the quantum, negotiation, and communication channels into one, while seamlessly integrating communication and quantum networks into a single network to create a next-generation communication network foundation with quantum security. The network will serve as a shield against quantum computing threats for core and sensitive services such as government office, financial transactions, and critical infrastructure, ensuring end-to-end secure transmission of critical services.
Mr. Poon Fuk Hei, CEO of CTM, stated that as a core enabler of Macao’s digital and intelligent transformation and a trusted guardian of its communication security, CTM has long been dedicated to building and strengthening local communication networks. It has been a key driver behind the evolution and real-world deployment of the network foundation powering Digital and Intelligent Macao. He added that, aligning with national strategic goals and Macao’s regional digital security needs, CTM has proactively deployed a local quantum-secured network foundation, fully accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge quantum security technologies in Macao.
Leon Wang, President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, stressed that security and resilience is one of the three defining characteristics of IP bearer networks. He noted that in the realm of quantum security—a crucial subset of security and resilience—Huawei has maintained continuous investment and innovation across hardware, software, algorithms, and more. For example, Huawei pioneered the industry’s first router with built-in QKD. This innovation helps operators to reduce TCO by over 60%. This empowers CTM to build a quantum-secured network foundation featuring QKD-communication integration, providing robust security assurance for the digital transformation and core data transmission of government and enterprise customers.
Looking ahead, CTM and Huawei will continue to deepen their strategic partnership in industrial development and technological innovation, designing products specifically for quantum-secured private lines while accelerating their deployment on live networks. Meanwhile, leveraging Macao’s unique geographical advantages and technical expertise, the two companies aim to drive collaborative development, technological innovation, and practical applications of the quantum security industry within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, ultimately safeguarding the high-quality development of the region’s digital economy.
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29, Sep 2026
OSSSC Reschedules Counselling For RI, ICDS Supervisor And Other Posts
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has rescheduled the counselling process for choice of post and district for several district cadre posts under CRE-2023(IV).
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The counselling, earlier scheduled for September 30, 2026, will now be conducted on October 6, 2026, following the Odisha Bandh called by the Naba Nirmana Krushaka Sangathana on September 30.
Counselling For Five Posts Deferred
As per an OSSSC notice issued on September 28, the revised schedule applies to candidates appearing for counselling for the posts of:
Revenue Inspector (RI)
ICDS Supervisor
Assistant Revenue Inspector (ARI)
Amin
Statistical Field Surveyor (SFS)
The Commission took the decision to defer the counselling in view of the bandh and has fixed October 6 as the new date.
Existing Intimation Letters Remain Valid
OSSSC clarified that candidates whose roll numbers were included in Annexure-XIV of its earlier notice, issued on September 22, 2026, are required to attend the counselling on the revised date.
Candidates do not need to download fresh intimation letters. The letters already downloaded for the September 30 counselling will remain valid for the rescheduled session on October 6.
Time And Venue Unchanged
The Commission further stated that the time and venue mentioned in the existing intimation letters will remain unchanged.
All other terms, conditions and instructions contained in the earlier counselling notice will continue to apply.
Candidates have been advised to take note of the revised date and attend the counselling process accordingly.
29, Sep 2026
PMO Seeks Odisha Govt Response Over Alleged Textbook Printing Irregularities
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has sought a response from the Odisha government over allegations of large-scale irregularities in the printing and distribution of school textbooks in the state.
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The development follows a complaint submitted by RTI activist and whistleblower Pradip Pradhan, who alleged financial irregularities, conflict of interest and lapses in the textbook printing process.
Education Ministry Seeks State Response
Following the complaint, the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Union Ministry of Education reportedly sought a response from Odisha’s School and Mass Education Department.
The state department has been asked to examine the allegations and take appropriate action, according to reports.
Pradhan has alleged that a deputy director-level official associated with the government press has been involved in overseeing textbook printing work since 2022 despite the responsibility, according to his complaint, falling under the School and Mass Education Department.
Conflict Of Interest Alleged
The whistleblower has further alleged that the official facilitated printing and supply contracts involving a private agency allegedly operated by the officer’s wife.
Pradhan has sought a detailed investigation into the matter, alleging that such an arrangement could constitute a conflict of interest and have financial implications for the state exchequer.
He has also alleged that lapses in quality control resulted in error-filled textbooks being supplied to students across Odisha.
The allegations are subject to examination by the concerned authorities.
1,741 Errors Found In School Textbooks
The controversy comes amid disclosures made by the Odisha government in the State Assembly regarding errors in school textbooks.
According to a written reply by School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond, as many as 1,741 errors were identified in textbooks for Classes 1 to 8.
The government informed the Assembly that around Rs 175 crore had been spent on the printing and publication of these textbooks.
The PMO’s intervention has now brought renewed attention to the textbook production process, with the state government expected to respond to the allegations and clarify the steps taken to address the reported irregularities.
29, Sep 2026
Puri Beach Waste Turned Into Record-Breaking Art Installation, Enters India Book of Records
Puri, Sept. 29 (UDN): Discarded fishing nets and other marine waste collected from the Puri coastline have been transformed into a large-scale art installation, earning a place in the India Book of Records for promoting coastal and marine conservation.
The record, titled “Largest Artistic Display for Coastal and Marine Conservation Awareness,” was achieved by Spandan in partnership with HCL Foundation as part of an initiative to highlight the growing threat posed by marine waste.
The installation was created using waste recovered during a major coastal cleanup drive held at Puri on September 19, coinciding with International Coastal Cleanup Day.
10,000 Kg Of Waste Collected
Around 700 marine activists, volunteers and members of various organisations participated in the cleanup along the Bay of Bengal coast.
The participants included personnel from the Indian Coast Guard, Puri Mahanagar Nigam, women self-help groups, Scouts and Guides, the Puri Cricket Association, members of the Fishery Association and other local volunteers.
The drive resulted in the collection of more than 10,000 kg of solid waste from the beach.
Among the waste were abandoned fishing nets and discarded fishing gear, which can pose significant risks to marine animals and affect coastal ecosystems.
Waste Transformed Into Art
Following the cleanup, the collected material was segregated and handed over for an innovative community art initiative.
Young members of the local community used the discarded materials to create a large artistic installation aimed at drawing attention to marine pollution and the impact of fishing-related waste on marine biodiversity.
The artwork was displayed at Penthakotta in Puri on September 28.
India Book Of Records Recognition
The unique installation was formally recognised by the India Book of Records under the category of “Largest Artistic Display for Coastal and Marine Conservation Awareness.”
India Book of Records adjudicator Sanjay Kumar Bhola attended the event and presented the record recognition to members of the team.
He also appreciated the efforts of Spandan and HCL Foundation in using collected coastal waste to create awareness about marine conservation and the protection of India’s coastal ecosystem.
The initiative has given discarded beach waste a new purpose—turning material that threatened the marine environment into a public artwork carrying a message of conservation.
29, Sep 2026
Puri Intensifies Khaja Inspections Ahead of Festive Season, Five Units Sealed
Puri, Sept. 29 (UDN): With demand for the famous Puri khaja expected to rise during the upcoming festive season, district authorities have intensified inspections of sweet-making units to curb adulteration and ensure compliance with food safety norms.
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A joint team from the Food Safety Unit and Puri district administration conducted raids at several khaja manufacturing units in and around the town, including establishments in Dolamandap Sahi near the Shree Jagannath Temple.
During the latest operation, officials seized around four quintals of khaja, sugar syrup and eight domestic LPG cylinders from the inspected premises.
Five Manufacturing Units Sealed
Authorities sealed five khaja manufacturing units for alleged violations of food safety regulations. Two pushcarts were also seized during the enforcement drive.
Officials said inspections would continue across different parts of Puri to monitor the quality and safety of food products being sold to devotees, tourists and local consumers.
The intensified checks come amid preparations for the festive season, when Puri witnesses a significant increase in visitors and demand for its traditional sweets.
Earlier Raids Also Conducted
The latest enforcement action follows another major inspection drive carried out in Puri days earlier.
During that operation, authorities seized approximately five quintals of khaja and khaja syrup and destroyed the material. Four khaja manufacturing units were also sealed for alleged violations.
Officials have indicated that further inspections will be conducted as part of the ongoing food-safety campaign.
Focus on Traditional Puri Sweet
Khaja is one of Puri’s best-known traditional sweets and is closely associated with the Shree Jagannath Temple and the city’s religious and tourism economy.
With the festive season expected to bring increased demand, authorities are stepping up surveillance of manufacturing and selling points to ensure that khaja and other food products meet prescribed safety standards.
The enforcement drive is expected to continue in the coming days, with officials maintaining checks on manufacturing units and vendors across the town.
29, Sep 2026
Segway Powersports Brings Latin American and Canadian Media and Creators from Factory Floor to Real-World Terrain
CHANGZHOU, China, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Segway Powersports hosted 14 media representatives and creators from Canada, Chile, Peru, Panama, Brazil and Argentina from September 14–19 for the SEGWAY POWERSPORTS CHINA TOUR-2026 LATAM & CANADA EDITION, an immersive program connecting behind-the-scenes manufacturing insights with a full-lineup off-road riding experience.
The program began at Segway Powersports’ manufacturing facility in Changzhou, China, where participants explored production, assembly, vehicle testing and final inspection. The visit offered a closer look at the manufacturing processes, quality controls and traceability practices behind Segway Powersports vehicles.
The experience then moved to Keping County in Aksu, Xinjiang, where participants took the full Segway Powersports lineup across desert terrain, gravel sections and water crossings. Driving multiple models in varied conditions allowed them to experience power delivery, handling, terrain capability and comfort firsthand—connecting what they had seen on the production line with how the vehicles perform in real-world environments.
Beyond the factory and riding experience, the program created a two-way exchange between Segway Powersports and its international guests. Participants shared perspectives on local riding environments, user expectations and product needs directly with the brand’s marketing, product, R&D and after-sales teams, bringing insights from six markets into the discussion.
“Seeing how a vehicle is built is one thing; experiencing it in real terrain is another,” said Ethan Zhang, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Segway Powersports. “By bringing these experiences together, we want media and creators to understand our products more completely. At the same time, their local perspectives help us better understand what riders in different markets really need.”
Segway Powersports plans to extend similar programs to more markets, strengthening relationships with media and creators while bringing real-world perspectives into ongoing product and service development.
About Segway Powersports
Segway is a global leader in micro-mobility, powersports, and consumer robotics, known for its innovation and user-focused products. Segway Powersports focuses specifically on the design and manufacturing of next-generation powersports vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-side vehicles (SxS) for both utility and sport applications. As a high-tech enterprise, Segway Powersports integrates a superior supply chain with its own manufacturing capabilities, managing the full lifecycle of its products – from R&D and production to sales and after-sales service.
For more information, please visit https://powersports.segway.com
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