Media Express24

28, Sep 2026

The Privacy Documents Attached to Just One Family’s Digital Day Can Take More Than 10 Workdays to Read – Longer Than the Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Zurich, Switzerland | Sept 28: A new Web3 Foundation study of six evidence-based model households in the United Kingdom and United States found that it may take up to 10 full working days to read the privacy policies, terms, notices and supporting documents linked to one ordinary modelled digital day.

Across the six scenarios, researchers identified 1,195 relevant documents containing more than 5.38 million words. Depending on the modelled household, simply reading the material linked to one ordinary day would require between 37 and 83 hours, or 4.6 to 10.4 full workdays.

The largest reading burden was found in the modelled UK family scenario, where 257 privacy policies, terms, notices and supporting documents contain 1,184,835 words. That is about 83 hours of reading – 10.4 eight-hour workdays – and 34% more than the 884,647 words contained in William Shakespeare’s complete works.

In the US scenarios, a similar family’s relevant privacy policies, terms and notices run to 233 documents and 1,118,224 words – 26% more than Shakespeare’s complete works – and require 78.3 hours, or 9.8 workdays, to read.

For the single modelled working adult, the relevant documents would take 73.9 hours, or 9.2 eight-hour workdays, to read in the UK scenario and 59.4 hours, or 7.4 workdays, in the US scenario. Even the older-adult models, which use fewer digital services, would require 45.2 hours of reading in the UK and 37.1 hours in the US, equivalent to 5.6 and 4.6 workdays respectively.

Released to mark UNESCO’s 2026 International Day for Universal Access to Information, the study, Everyday Surveillance: What One Ordinary Day May Reveal About You, modelledthe everyday products, services and systems surrounding six evidence-based model households in the United States and United Kingdom and then did what consumers are supposedto do: read the privacy documents.

Analysing those documents created a picture of routine digital life in which the same model household maybe observed through phones, wearables, televisions, banks, cars, schools, utilities, cameras, health services and location systems, with each system potentially creating its own record and many organisations’ privacy documents describing further uses of that information.

In each matched pair in these modelled scenarios, the UK household was linked to more separately counted organisations than its US counterpart, while the US scenarios showed greater involvement of some commercial location, insurance and data systems.

These are model-household findings, not national totals or statistics, but the comparison illustrates that different regulatory and institutional structures affect who may collect and reuse information, what rules apply and what rights people have once the data exists. In both sets of modelled scenarios, ordinary digital activity may still generate large volumes of information.

Gavin Wood, founder of Web3 Foundation, said: “We did what consumers are told to do: we read the privacy policies. In our modelled family scenarios in the US and UK, one ordinary day came with around ten workdays of reading. What we found in that small print was much bigger than a collection of individual privacy notices. It described how information about people’s bodies, homes, money, movements, children and behaviour can be combined, inferred, shared, retained and, in some cases, used to train AI. Disclosure is not meaningful control if a person has no realistic chance of reading it.”

Bill Laboon, Vice President of Technical Operations at Web3 Foundation, said: “What is striking is how much data may be generated around completely ordinary digital activity. The report raises the question of whether we can build services differently, for example, by allowing people to prove what is needed without routinely disclosing the underlying information.”

The comparison shows that high-volume data collection can arise across very different ages and levels of technology use. In both family models, adult wearables are modelled as generating around 2,000 daily readings: combined health readings in the UK scenario and heart-rate readings in the US scenario.

The modelled children may also generate records through school systems, cameras and location tools. In the UK family model, 11,400 keystrokes can be logged in a school week and the children can be captured around 100 times by school cameras in a day. In the US family model, school-device activity is modelled as potentially being monitored minute by minute and a family location-sharing service is modelled as making a child’s location available around the clock.

The two single-adult scenarios also show how quickly repeated observations can accumulate. In both models, around three hours of television is modelled as producing approximately 21,600 Automatic Content Recognition screen captures where ACR is assumed to be enabled. The UK single adult is linked to 68 organisations and around 271 modelled processing events. The US counterpart is linked to 62 organisations and around 219 modelled processing events.

Among the older-adult scenarios, the modelled UK retiree is linked to 49 organisations and five to six hours of television is modelled as producing around 40,000 scans of what is being watched where ACR is assumed to be enabled. The US retiree is linked to 44 organisations and around five hours of viewing is modelled as producing roughly 36,000 screen captures where ACR is assumed to be enabled. Their days also include smart-meter readings, cameras, health and pharmacy records, location sharing and license-plate records.

Across the 143 organisations examined, documents of 118 (83%) describepotential use of data for marketing or advertising; 114 (80%) describe potential combining data across sources; 109 (76%) describe potential inference or profiling; 102 (71%) describe potential sharing with commercial partners as defined by the study; and 95 (66%) state no fixed retention period. Separately, the documents of at least 35 organisations (24%) contain an affirmative statement that user data may be used to train or improve AI or machine-learning systems.

The data trail may extendfar beyond names and email addresses. Across the organisations reviewed, 55 of 143 (38%) list particularly sensitive categories among information they could collect, including health, biometrics, sexual orientation, political opinions, ethnicity or religion. Separate data points can then be linked or used to infer information about a person’s body, home, finances, movements, relationships, children, beliefs, interests and likely future behaviour.

Potential data collection or generation can also occur when no screen is being actively used. Wearables may measure the body during sleep, smart meters may record household activity through the night, doorbells and cameras may remain active, connected devices may synchronise in the background and connected cars may transmit location and driving telemetry.

The two countries also operate under markedly different privacy frameworks. The UK has one broad cross-sector data-protection framework, while the US relies on federal sectoral rules alongside a state-by-state patchwork.

The White Paper cautions that these figures are model-household findings rather than national totals or statistics. The matched scenarios are intended to illustrate how similar routines can interact with different legal, institutional and commercial environments.

It proposes six Web3 Foundation design principles intended to reduce disclosure. These include revealing only the information a service actually needs, such as age not date of birth, allowing people to hold reusable digital proofs rather than repeatedly copying identity documents, making permissions clear and easy to withdraw, and using selective disclosure so a fact can be verified without handing over the full underlying dataset.

Methodology at a glance

Web3 Foundation built six evidence-based model households: a working adult, a family with two children and an older adult living independently in both the UK and US. Researchers mapped a normal 24-hour weekday against the products, services and systems around each household and what those systems say they may collect, generate or infer, using company policies, technical documentation, regulator records, academic research and published measurement studies.

The study does not claim to be a national survey or to describe the practices of every or any user. It examines documented capabilities and permissions across evidence-led model scenarios under stated modelling assumptions about product choice, settings, configurations and system operation. Company policies show what an organization says it may collect or process, rather than proving that every permitted action happens to every or any user every day. Numerical findings are presented as documented minimums, modelled estimates or reasonable ranges.

The analysis reflects company terms, privacy notices and other relevant documents publicly available and reviewed between August and September 2026, with the legal and regulatory position checked 18 September 2026. The methodology, assumptions and supporting data are published as part of the study so the calculations, source choices and analytical approach can be scrutinized, challenged and rerunby others.

28, Sep 2026

IIT Team to Probe Kalinga Ghat Landslides, Odisha Orders Emergency Road Restoration

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): An IIT technical team will conduct a detailed investigation into landslides reported at two points along Kalinga Ghat on NH-157 in Odisha’s Kandhamal district, as the state government has ordered immediate restoration and safety measures following heavy rainfall in the region.

IIT Team to Probe Kalinga Ghat Landslides, Odisha Orders Emergency Road Restoration

Pic Credit: x.com/PWD_Odisha

Odisha Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh inspected the affected stretches on Sunday and reviewed the condition of the road and adjoining hill slopes. He directed officials to undertake emergency measures on a priority basis, with particular focus on preventing risks to motorists.

Loose Debris to Be Cleared

During the inspection, Singh instructed officials to remove loose rocks, unstable soil and other potentially hazardous material from vulnerable portions of the hill slopes.

He also directed authorities to restrict vehicular movement through unsafe sections until the prescribed safety measures are completed and the road is considered fit for traffic.

At another landslide-affected location in the ghat section, officials have been asked to put in place arrangements for regulated single-lane traffic. A taper extending about 400 metres on either side of the affected entry point will be created to guide vehicles safely through the vulnerable stretch.

Traffic will be permitted only after the required safety arrangements are completed, officials said.

IIT Team to Probe Kalinga Ghat Landslides, Odisha Orders Emergency Road Restoration

IIT Team to Assess Landslide Causes

The technical team from IIT will inspect the landslide locations at Km 86.380 and Km 86.675 along NH-157.

The investigation will focus on identifying the factors responsible for the slope failures and suggesting permanent engineering solutions for stabilising the affected stretches.

The recommendations submitted by the IIT experts will subsequently guide construction and long-term restoration work at the sites.

Heavy Rainfall Triggers Concern

The inspection followed heavy rainfall in Kandhamal and surrounding areas, which led to landslides at several points along the Kalinga Ghat section.

The Works Department has directed field officials to complete emergency restoration measures without delay while maintaining road safety and ensuring controlled movement of vehicles wherever conditions permit.

IIT Team to Probe Kalinga Ghat Landslides, Odisha Orders Emergency Road Restoration

Officials Inspect Affected Stretch

Kandhamal Collector Vedbhushan, the Additional District Magistrate of Bhanjanagar, Chief Engineer-I (National Highways), Chief Engineer of the Southern Circle at Berhampur and the Superintending Engineer of the Phulbani National Highway Division were among the officials who accompanied the Works Department Principal Secretary during the inspection.

28, Sep 2026

RIMAN Expands Global Footprint to 22 Markets with Launches Across Europe and Latin America

Expansion into France, Germany, Romania and Ecuador strengthens RIMAN’s growing presence across two key international regions

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RIMAN, the global beauty and wellness company redefining K-Beauty through Korean innovation and heritage ingredients, has expanded its international presence to 22 markets with the launch of France, Germany and Romania on September 9, followed by Ecuador on September 15.

RIMAN’s new markets in Europe and Latin America.

The four-market expansion marks another milestone in RIMAN’s international growth strategy, strengthening the company’s presence across both Europe and Latin America.

France, Germany and Romania have brought RIMAN’s European footprint to seven markets, joining the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain and Italy. The expansion builds on growing interest in Korean beauty and skincare across Europe and establishes a broader foundation for continued regional growth.

RIMAN’s European operations are headquartered in London, providing business training, tools and events for independent Planners across the region. Multilingual customer service and logistics operations in the United Kingdom and Germany further support RIMAN’s expanding European network.

In Latin America, Ecuador is now RIMAN’s sixth market in the region, joining Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Costa Rica. The expansion builds on RIMAN’s growing regional presence, with its Mexico operation serving as a key support hub and providing infrastructure and operational experience developed through previous market launches.

“The launch of four new markets across Europe and Latin America represents an important milestone in RIMAN’s global growth,” said Youngsu Hwang, Chief Sales Officer of RIMAN. “Our strategy is about more than entering new markets. We are building the leadership, infrastructure and regional capabilities necessary to create sustainable businesses for the long term, while ensuring each market remains connected to RIMAN’s global vision.”

With operations now spanning 22 markets, RIMAN will continue investing in its regional infrastructure, developing local leadership and expanding access to its Korean beauty and wellness brands as it advances the next phase of its global growth.

About RIMAN

Founded in South Korea in 2018, RIMAN is a global beauty and wellness direct-selling company redefining K-Beauty through the combination of heritage ingredients, advanced science and Korean innovation. Its portfolio includes skincare brand ICD, personal care brand Botalab and wellness brand Lifening.

At its Jeju Smart Farm, RIMAN oversees the cultivation and development of key proprietary raw materials, including Giant BYoungPool™, its advanced cultivar of Centella asiatica. Giant BYoungPool™ was granted 20-year Plant Variety Protection in South Korea in July 2022 and the United States in September 2025.

Through continued investment in ingredient research, product innovation and vertically integrated capabilities, RIMAN is building a global platform designed to bring its approach to Korean beauty and wellness to consumers and independent Planners around the world.

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28, Sep 2026

Odisha Chief Secretary Reviews Health, Care of Rescued Orangutans at Nandankanan

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 27 (UDN): Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Sunday visited Nandankanan Zoological Park near Bhubaneswar to review the health condition and care arrangements for rescued orangutans housed at the zoo’s Hand Rearing Centre.

Odisha Chief Secretary Reviews Health, Care of Rescued Orangutans at Nandankanan

Pic Credit: x.com/ddnandankanan

Garg was accompanied by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha, along with other senior officials.

Health Care Arrangements Reviewed

During her visit, the Chief Secretary inspected the facilities at the Hand Rearing Centre and took stock of the treatment and care being provided to the rescued orangutans.

She directed the officials to maintain continuous monitoring of the animals’ health and ensure that any medical concerns are addressed promptly.

Garg also stressed the importance of providing appropriate veterinary care and maintaining necessary facilities to safeguard the health and welfare of the rescued animals.

Officials Assess Rescue Centre

The senior officials also reviewed the overall arrangements at the centre and discussed measures required for the continued care and rehabilitation of the orangutans.

Nandankanan Zoological Park later shared details of the visit through its official social media account, stating that Garg, along with senior Forest Department officials, inspected the rescued orangutans at the Hand Rearing Centre.

The visit comes as the zoo continues to provide specialised care for rescued wildlife under the supervision of its veterinary and animal-care teams.

28, Sep 2026

Vedanta Plans Rs 1 Lakh Crore Investment in Odisha, Eyes Major Aluminium Expansion

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): Vedanta Group is planning to invest around Rs 1 lakh crore in Odisha over the next two-and-a-half to three years, with the proposed expansion covering aluminium, mining, refining and downstream manufacturing.

Vedanta Plans Rs 1 Lakh Crore Investment in Odisha, Eyes Major Aluminium Expansion

Representational Image

Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal announced the investment roadmap after meeting Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday. The proposed projects, he said, would depend on timely land allocation and the necessary government approvals.

Major Expansion Planned in Jharsuguda

A key component of the proposed investment is an expansion of Vedanta’s aluminium operations in Jharsuguda.

The company is considering setting up a 2-million-tonne plant in the district. According to Agarwal, around 500 acres of land is being made available near Vedanta’s existing power facility for the proposed expansion.

The project could generate at least 50,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, according to the company chairman.

Vedanta is also looking at expanding its operations across the aluminium value chain, including bauxite, refining and smelting.

Focus on Aluminium Downstream Industries

Agarwal also called for greater development of aluminium-based industries in Odisha, particularly among small and medium enterprises.

The proposed ecosystem could include manufacturers supplying components to sectors such as automobiles, aviation, railways and transportation. Vedanta plans to support such industries through supplies of aluminium and power, while giving priority to employment for people from Odisha.

New Refinery and Smelter Projects

The investment roadmap also includes a proposed refinery at Raigarh, along with new smelting and bauxite-linked projects.

The company is looking to expand its presence across the aluminium production chain, from raw material processing and refining to metal production and downstream applications.

Social Infrastructure Plans

Alongside industrial investments, Agarwal outlined plans for social infrastructure projects in Odisha.

These include a proposed large hospital for tribal communities, a digital university and a research hospital focused on medical research and the development of treatments for diseases including cancer.

The proposed investment programme is expected to further expand Vedanta’s industrial footprint in Odisha, subject to land availability, regulatory clearances and other approvals.

28, Sep 2026

FarmX Proposes Rs 1,000 Crore Agri-Tech Hub in Odisha, Plans Autonomous Tractor Manufacturing

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): Silicon Valley-based technology company FarmX has proposed an investment of Rs 1,000 crore to establish an advanced agri-tech manufacturing and export hub in Odisha, with a focus on autonomous electric tractors, artificial intelligence, robotics and precision farming.

FarmX Proposes Rs 1,000 Crore Agri-Tech Hub in Odisha, Plans Autonomous Tractor Manufacturing

Pic Credit: x.com/KVSinghDeo1

A FarmX delegation led by Chief Operating Officer Premal Ashar and Head of AI Lalit Bhatt met Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, along with Additional Chief Secretary, Electronics & Information Technology, Vishal Kumar Dev, on Saturday to discuss the proposed project.

Manufacturing Hub Planned

Under the proposal, FarmX plans to develop a state-of-the-art manufacturing campus in Odisha that could produce up to 1,000 autonomous electric tractors and 1 lakh field-sensing units annually.

The proposed facility is intended to cater to both Indian and overseas markets, positioning Odisha as a potential base for the company’s advanced agricultural technology operations.

The project is also expected to generate around 1,120 direct jobs and 3,700 indirect employment opportunities, with a significant focus on specialised technology and engineering roles.

Smart Farming Technology

Alongside manufacturing, FarmX has proposed a smart precision-farming initiative based on its FarmMap platform.

The open-architecture system combines satellite imagery, OSMO soil-moisture sensors and a regional-language mobile application in Odia to provide farmers with real-time information on field conditions.

The technology is designed to support more efficient irrigation and improve the use of fertilisers and pesticides by providing data-driven insights for farm management.

FarmX Proposes Rs 1,000 Crore Agri-Tech Hub in Odisha, Plans Autonomous Tractor Manufacturing

Odisha Focuses on Emerging Technologies

Singh Deo said Odisha is working to attract investment in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and electric mobility.

He highlighted the state’s efforts to promote advanced technologies, create high-skilled employment opportunities and support productivity improvements in agriculture.

The FarmX proposal is currently under consideration by the Odisha government. If approved, the project would seek to leverage the state’s industrial infrastructure and policy ecosystem while serving both domestic and international markets.

28, Sep 2026

Bank Strike Deferred: Banks to Remain Open Monday as IBA Agrees to Discuss Five-Day Work Week

New Delhi, Sept. 28: Bank customers across India can expect normal banking services on Monday after the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) postponed its proposed three-day nationwide strike following fresh assurances from the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).

Bank Strike Deferred: Banks to Remain Open Monday as IBA Agrees to Discuss Five-Day Work Week

Representational Image

The strike, which was scheduled to begin on Monday during the crucial half-yearly closing period, was deferred after discussions between the two sides resulted in an agreement to continue negotiations on key employee demands.

A major breakthrough came on the long-pending demand for a five-day banking week. According to the UFBU, the IBA has agreed to set up a high-level joint committee that will examine the proposal to declare all Saturdays as holidays. The committee will consult stakeholders and explore options that balance the interests of employees, customers, and the banking sector.

Apart from the five-day work week, the two sides also agreed to resume discussions on revising the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Scale IV and above officers. The IBA is expected to work on proposed changes before taking the matter up with the government.

The unions said other unresolved issues identified in earlier negotiations, including those recorded in the March 8, 2024 meeting, will also be taken up for speedy resolution.

In view of these commitments, the UFBU announced that its planned protest programmes and strike action have been put on hold, allowing banks across the country to remain open and operate as usual on Monday.

28, Sep 2026

India Ranks 10th at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 with Six Silver Medals and 20 Medals for Excellence

Shanghai, September 28, 2026: India secured 10th position at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, winning six Silver Medals and 20 Medals for Excellence, as the international skills competition concluded on September 27.

India improved its position from 13th at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, where the country had won four Bronze Medals and 12 Medals for Excellence. The latest performance reflects the growing participation of Indian youth across advanced technical, manufacturing, digital, creative and service-oriented skills.

India fielded its largest-ever contingent of 70 competitors across 63 skills at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. The competition brought together more than 1,400 young competitors from around 70 countries and regions.

India Ranks 10th at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 with Six Silver Medals and 20 Medals for Excellence

The six Silver Medals were won by Smriti Nambiar in Bakery, Mohammed Salam in Dental Prosthetics, Kovid Ajay Gangrade in Digital Interactive Media Design, Parth Vohra in Industrial Design Technology, Mehrunissa Begum in Logistics and Freight Forwarding, and Saniya Joshi in Retail Sales.

Smriti Nambiar, who won the Silver Medal in Bakery, was also recognised as Best of Nation for India. The country’s 20 Medals for Excellence were awarded to competitors who demonstrated a high level of professional proficiency against internationally established WorldSkills standards.

The six-day event was held from September 22 to 27, 2026, with four days of intensive competition from September 23 to 26. The winners were recognised at the grand closing ceremony in Shanghai on September 27, bringing together competitors, experts, international delegations and industry representatives.

Congratulating Team India, Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, said the performance represented a significant step forward in India’s global skills journey. He credited the competitors, experts, trainers and industry partners for contributing to the achievement and highlighted the importance of developing a future-ready skilling ecosystem.

India’s performance was supported by months of intensive preparation, specialised training, mentoring and international benchmarking. The WorldSkills platform also provided Indian competitors and experts with exposure to evolving occupational standards, new technologies and international practices.

A notable feature of India’s participation was its debut in 11 new and emerging skill categories. These included Dental Prosthetics, Digital Interactive Media Design, Intelligent Security Technology, Landscape Gardening, Optoelectronic Technology, Retail Sales, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Industrial Mechanics, Software Testing, Heavy Vehicle Technology and Aircraft Maintenance.

The expansion into these categories reflects the changing requirements of the global workforce, with increasing emphasis on technology-intensive occupations, advanced manufacturing and industry-specific competencies.

Women’s participation was another important aspect of India’s presence at the competition. Indian women competitors participated across technical, creative and service-oriented disciplines, including Chemical Laboratory Technology, Logistics and Freight Forwarding, Fashion Technology, Visual Merchandising, Health and Social Care and Hospitality.

Manisha Sensarma, Official Delegate, WorldSkills India and Senior Economic Adviser, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said the competition offered participants an opportunity to learn alongside competing. She emphasised the importance of using the experience gained in Shanghai to strengthen training methodologies, assessment standards and industry engagement in India’s wider skilling ecosystem.

India’s participation was coordinated by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, with support from Sector Skill Councils, industry partners, training institutions, technical experts and other stakeholders.

Beyond the medals, the WorldSkills experience is expected to contribute to India’s efforts to align vocational training and assessment with international benchmarks. Exposure to global technologies and occupational practices can also help inform future approaches to skills training and industry collaboration.

India’s 10th-place finish at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 marks an improvement over its previous global ranking and highlights the country’s expanding presence across traditional trades as well as emerging technology-driven occupations. The participation of 70 young competitors across 63 skills also underscores the increasing diversity of India’s vocational talent pool.

As the Shanghai competition concludes, the results provide a platform for further strengthening India’s skills ecosystem through quality training, international benchmarking, industry partnerships and greater access to emerging occupational skills.

About WorldSkills: WorldSkills is an international skills competition that brings together young professionals from participating countries and regions to demonstrate excellence across vocational and technical disciplines. Held every two years, the competition promotes international occupational standards, knowledge exchange and skills development while encouraging young people to pursue skilled careers.

28, Sep 2026

NMDC Commissions INR 5,427-Crore Integrated Iron Ore Processing, Slurry Pipeline and Pellet Project in Chhattisgarh

Bastar, Chhattisgarh, September 28, 2026: NMDC Ltd has commissioned its 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) pellet plant at Nagarnar, Chhattisgarh, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to strengthen its presence across the iron ore value chain.

The pellet plant forms part of a ₹5,427-crore integrated project comprising an iron ore processing facility at Bacheli, a 15 MTPA slurry pipeline and the 2 MTPA pellet plant at Nagarnar. Together, the facilities establish an integrated system connecting NMDC’s iron ore mining operations at Bacheli with its steel plant at Nagarnar.

A key component of the project is the 135-km slurry pipeline, which transports processed iron ore concentrate from Bacheli to Nagarnar. The pipeline provides an alternative to road transportation and is designed to improve the efficiency of iron ore evacuation from NMDC’s mining operations.

NMDC Commissions INR 5,427-Crore Integrated Iron Ore Processing, Slurry Pipeline and Pellet Project in Chhattisgarh

The project will enable NMDC to make greater use of iron ore fines and slimes generated at its Bailadila mines. These materials can be processed into concentrate and subsequently converted into pellets, creating additional value from resources generated during mining and beneficiation.

The newly commissioned pellet plant uses Straight Grate Induration technology to produce iron ore pellets suitable for use in steelmaking. The addition of pellet production strengthens NMDC’s downstream capabilities and expands its portfolio beyond conventional iron ore mining and processing.

The maiden production from the pellet plant was monitored live from NMDC’s headquarters by Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director, NMDC Ltd, along with senior company leadership. Adverse weather conditions prevented the leadership team from travelling to the project site for the commissioning-related activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Mukherjee described the commissioning as an important milestone for the company. He noted that the project involved the execution of multiple major components, including the processing facilities, slurry pipeline and pellet plant.

The integrated infrastructure is expected to strengthen NMDC’s operational link between its Bacheli mining complex and Nagarnar steel plant, while providing greater flexibility in the movement and processing of iron ore.

The slurry pipeline passes through 61 villages in Bastar and Dantewada districts. Its commissioning is intended to reduce the dependence on road movement for processed ore, provide an alternative evacuation route and lower NMDC’s dependency on railway transportation.

The project also represents a move towards greater resource utilisation. By converting iron ore fines and slimes into concentrate and pellets, NMDC can increase the value recovered from its mineral resources while supporting the raw material requirements of the steelmaking ecosystem.

The commissioning comes as NMDC pursues a broader expansion and diversification strategy. The company has set a long-term objective of increasing its iron ore production capacity to 100 million tonnes annually, making investments in processing, transportation and value addition increasingly important to its growth plans.

With the new facilities operational, NMDC now has an integrated infrastructure chain covering iron ore mining, beneficiation, slurry transportation and pellet production. The project is expected to play a role in improving logistics efficiency and supporting the company’s long-term plans for capacity expansion and value-added iron ore products.

27, Sep 2026

ACI Worldwide and Cognizant Demonstrate Strong Card Processing Performance on Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS)

Cognizant deployed BASE24-eps on AWS and sustained more than double its target transaction load with no failed transactions

OMAHA, Neb.–ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW), an original innovator in global payments technology, and Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH), a leading AI builder and technology services provider, today announced the results of joint performance testing of BASE24-eps, a foundational component of ACI’s card acquiring and issuing solutions, on AWS. Under simulated point-of-sale load, BASE24-eps sustained more than double its target transaction load for 30 minutes with no failed transactions. Across the full test, it processed more than 4.6 million transactions without a single failure.

For banks, the case for the cloud comes down to scaling with growth, absorbing volume spikes without buying hardware for the peak, managing cost and keeping tight security and control over systems their customers rely on every second. This testing adds to the evidence that BASE24-eps, which already processes card payments for institutions worldwide, delivers the performance banks count on, now on AWS.

The common assumption is that moving card processing to the cloud means adopting a newly built platform, a multi-year program that brings its own cost and risk. This testing put BASE24-eps, software banks already rely on, onto managed AWS services.

Card processing runs on peaks, from holiday shopping to payday. Running at more than double its target leaves room to spare when volume surges. The environment ran on Amazon EC2 with Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL, a managed database service, and observability was instrumented to the OpenTelemetry standard and monitored through Amazon CloudWatch. Operations teams could watch transaction flow, system health and throughput in real time.

Cognizant, a long-time trusted partner for ACI, ran the program end-to-end in a non-production environment, designing the target architecture, provisioning the environment and deploying BASE24-eps using an AWS account operated by ACI. Installation and deployment were automated, which cut the manual work of standing up the software in a new environment.

“Agility and cost are why banks look at the cloud, but they can’t give up the performance their card business depends on to get there,” said Ajmal Syed, Chief Architect and Technical Fellow, ACI Worldwide. “This testing put BASE24-eps under sustained load on AWS, and it ran well past target without a failed transaction. A bank planning a cloud move can start with a card platform that has already been through that test.”

“Banks do not move payment systems on optimism. They move on evidence,” said Nitin Bahl, Strategic Business Unit Head, Fintech and Payments, Cognizant. “Our engineers built a working environment on AWS and ran sustained load through it.”

Production deployment is a further step, requiring resilience across availability zones, failover and disaster recovery testing, security hardening, additional nonfunctional testing and payment network certification. This test answered a narrower question: whether an experienced partner could deploy the tested release on AWS using managed services and sustain the target load.

For institutions seeking a cloud-native option, ACI Connetic brings together account-to-account and card payments with AI-driven fraud prevention on one platform.