2, Jul 2026
Malnutrition Still a Challenge in Odisha: Ojan Utsav Intensifies Fight Against Child Undernutrition
Bhubaneswar, July 2: Despite steady improvements in child nutrition indicators over the past few years, malnutrition continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Odisha, particularly in remote tribal and hard-to-reach regions. To strengthen early detection and ensure timely nutritional intervention, the Odisha Government has launched the first phase of Ojan Utsav 2026 under Mission Poshan 2.0, which will be conducted from July 1 to July 25 across the state.
Representational image
Ojan Utsav is a biannual growth monitoring and measurement campaign aimed at assessing the height and weight of children below five years of age. The initiative seeks to identify children affected by Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) at an early stage and connect them with appropriate nutrition and healthcare services.
This year’s campaign places special emphasis on covering children living in remote, tribal and cut-off villages, ensuring that even the most inaccessible communities receive essential growth monitoring. Anganwadi Workers, ICDS Supervisors and frontline health functionaries are conducting the exercise across more than 72,000 Anganwadi Centres in Odisha.
Unlike routine growth monitoring, Ojan Utsav is conducted under the direct supervision of ICDS officials to ensure accurate anthropometric measurements. The height and weight data collected during the campaign are uploaded in real time to the Poshan Abhiyaan digital platform, enabling authorities to monitor children’s nutritional status and initiate timely interventions wherever required.
According to available data, nearly 29.1 per cent of children under five in Odisha are stunted, reflecting chronic undernutrition. Around 12.8 per cent are underweight, while 2.9 per cent suffer from wasting. The burden of Severe Acute Malnutrition remains concentrated in districts such as Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur, where geographical isolation and socio-economic challenges continue to affect child health outcomes.
Tribal communities continue to face disproportionate nutritional challenges. Among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), undernutrition remains significantly higher than the state average, highlighting the need for focused interventions in remote habitations.
Experts attribute child malnutrition to a combination of poverty, food insecurity, poor maternal nutrition, inadequate sanitation and drinking water facilities, and difficulties in delivering healthcare services to inaccessible villages. These factors often delay early identification and treatment of vulnerable children.
To address these challenges, the state has strengthened its nutrition strategy through Mission Poshan 2.0, the Mukhyamantri Poshan Yojana, AMLAN (Anaemia Mukta Lakshya Abhiyaan) and the expansion of Anganwadi services in underserved areas. Ojan Utsav complements these initiatives by generating accurate growth data that supports evidence-based planning and targeted nutritional interventions.
Officials of the Department of Women and Child Development said the campaign is not merely a data collection exercise but a statewide effort to ensure that every child receives an equal opportunity to grow healthy. They appealed to parents and caregivers to participate actively in the campaign by bringing their children to the nearest Anganwadi Centre for growth assessment.
With the first phase continuing until July 25, the Government aims to strengthen child nutrition surveillance and reaffirm its commitment to building a healthier, malnutrition-free Odisha by ensuring that no child is left behind, irrespective of where they live.
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- By Neel Achary
2, Jul 2026
Heat Stress Raises the Bar for How Gulf Luxury Homes Must Be Built
Keturah founder says new climate research demands rethink from region’s developers
Dubai, UAE, July 2: Developers across the Gulf region need to fundamentally rethink how luxury homes are designed and built, as rising heat stress exposes the limitations of construction materials and methods that were never engineered for this climate.
Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand, says developers must respond by selecting materials and systems specifically designed to manage the heat, humidity and air quality challenges that Gulf residents live with year-round.
His comments follow new climate research published by scientists at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, which found a sharp intensification of heat stress globally since the 1970s, with the Arabian Peninsula among the regions most affected.
The study showed that heat stress, the leading cause of weather-related deaths, involves the build-up of body heat due to high temperatures, often combined with other factors such as high humidity.
Heat can exacerbate underlying cardiovascular, respiratory and mental health conditions, especially for vulnerable people, outdoor workers and urban residents.
Across the Arabian Peninsula, the ten warmest days of the year now feel up to 4°C hotter than in the 1970s, and further increases are projected as emissions continue to rise.
Inside homes, the main risks are moisture build-up, mold from condensation, and volatile organic compounds from conventional paints and finishes that intensify in enclosed, air-conditioned spaces.
“Outdoor temperatures are only part of the problem,” said Al Gaddah. “How walls manage moisture, how air moves through a space, and the surfaces residents live with daily all determine whether a home genuinely protects the people inside it.”
As awareness of these risks grows, air quality, material certifications and indoor environmental performance influence how luxury homes are evaluated, and Keturah’s two major Dubai developments have been designed with this in mind.
At Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion luxury bio-living community, AED200 million has been invested in health-led construction, incorporating antimicrobial tiling, breathable wall systems and zero-VOC finishes chosen for the specific demands of the region’s climate.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences at Keturah Resort, on the shores of Dubai Creek adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, applies the same principles across a development that combines branded residences, hospitality and a dedicated wellness centre.
Al Gaddah says health-led construction is no longer an optional consideration for developers in this region, but a baseline standard that buyer expectations and the science now both demand.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan both place a clear emphasis on sustainable and healthy urban development, giving the shift towards health-conscious construction a firm policy foundation across the region’s two largest real estate markets.
“The next generation of luxury homes in this region will be defined not by how they look but by how well they perform for the people living in them,” said Al Gaddah. “Buyers are sophisticated enough now to ask the right questions, and developers need to have the right answers.”
2, Jul 2026
Sensex and Nifty Trade Higher on Strong Auto Sales and Softer Crude Prices
Mumbai, July 2: Indian equity markets traded higher on Wednesday, supported by strong auto sector performance and easing global crude oil prices, which boosted investor sentiment.
Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty opened on a positive note and maintained gains through the session as buying interest was seen across key sectors, particularly automobiles and select banking stocks.
Market sentiment improved following robust monthly auto sales data, which signalled steady domestic demand. Additionally, a decline in crude oil prices helped ease concerns over inflation and import costs.
Broader markets also reflected positive momentum, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks participating in the upward trend.
Analysts noted that investor focus remains on global economic cues, crude oil movements, and upcoming corporate earnings for further direction in the markets.
2, Jul 2026
Delhi CM Launches Green Drive Portal Under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’
New Delhi, July 2: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has launched the ‘Green Drive Portal’ under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, aimed at encouraging large-scale tree plantation and environmental participation among citizens.
The initiative seeks to strengthen green cover in the national capital by enabling individuals, institutions, and organisations to actively participate in plantation drives and track their contributions through the digital platform.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the campaign is designed to promote environmental awareness while honouring the emotional bond between individuals and their mothers through tree plantation.
The portal will serve as a central platform to register plantation activities, monitor progress, and encourage community participation in building a cleaner and greener Delhi.
The government has urged citizens to take part in the initiative and contribute towards increasing the city’s green cover.
2, Jul 2026
Delhi EV Policy 2026 Sets the Roadmap for a Greener, Smarter Mobility Future
By Vinkesh Gulati, ASDC Chairperson on Delhi EV Policy 2026
Delhi EV Policy 2026 is a transformative step towards building a cleaner, smarter, and future-ready mobility ecosystem. By combining strong consumer incentives, phased timelines for electrification, scrappage benefits, and charging infrastructure expansion, the policy provides the clarity needed to accelerate EV adoption. Equally important is preparing a skilled workforce to support this transition. The rapid growth of electric mobility will create significant demand for EV technicians, battery specialists, charging infrastructure professionals, and advanced vehicle service engineers. At Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), we believe that policy and skill development must move together. Building industry-ready talent will be critical to ensuring the success of India’s EV ambitions while creating high-quality green jobs for youth. Delhi‘s policy can serve as a benchmark for other states, demonstrating how regulatory reforms, industry participation and skill development can together drive sustainable economic growth and strengthen India’s position as a global leader in electric mobility.
2, Jul 2026
Odisha Cabinet Clears ‘Gyanodaya’ Scheme, Completes Vision of Free Education from KG to PG
Bhubaneswar, July 2 (UDN): Fulfilling a key promise to make education affordable for every child, the Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved ‘Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi’, a flagship scheme that extends free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level by waiving admission fees for eligible students from the 2026–27 academic session.
The decision was taken at the 42nd Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, marking a major expansion of the state’s education support framework.
While education from KG to Class VIII has already been free in Odisha, the new scheme extends financial assistance to students studying in Classes IX to XII in government and government-aided schools, as well as those pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses in regular mode at State Public Universities, government colleges and government-aided colleges. With this, the state completes its vision of providing free education across the entire academic journey—from KG to PG.
The Cabinet approved an outlay of ₹895.57 crore for the first year of implementation and ₹5,467.55 crore over the next five years. The programme is expected to benefit more than 32 lakh students annually, making it one of the largest education support initiatives undertaken by the state.
The scheme aims to remove financial barriers that often prevent students, particularly those from economically weaker and disadvantaged backgrounds, from continuing their education. By eliminating admission fees, the government expects to improve enrolment, enhance retention, reduce dropout rates and encourage more students to pursue higher education.
However, the benefits will be limited to students enrolled in regular courses at government and government-aided institutions. Self-financing courses, unaided institutions, public-private partnership (PPP) institutions and professional or technical programmes have been excluded from the scheme.
With the launch of ‘Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi’, the Odisha government has made one of its most significant investments in the education sector, reinforcing its commitment to expanding access to quality education and ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of academic aspirations.
2, Jul 2026
Senco celebrates the moments that make every day special with its new ‘Halke Phulke Moments’ campaign
Mumbai, July 02: Life can get heavy. Deadlines pile up, calendars stay full and routines rarely slow down. But in the middle of it all are the halke phulke moments that make every day brighter, a coffee break that turns into a long conversation, ticking off a long to-do list, receiving an unexpected compliment, a spontaneous dinner plan, dressing up simply because it feels good, or celebrating a birthday, promotion, anniversary or personal milestone. Big or small, planned or spontaneous; these are the moments that make life meaningful.
Speaking about the campaign, Ms. Joita Sen, Director and Head of Marketing & Design, Senco Gold & Diamonds, said, “Life doesn’t slow down, but it gives us countless reasons to smile every single day. ‘Halke Phulke Moments‘ is about embracing those little pockets of joy that make life feel lighter and celebrating the everyday. Through our lightweight jewellery collections across 9KT, 14KT and 18KT gold, we’ve created pieces that become a natural part of your daily life, from morning meetings and coffee catch-ups to celebrations with loved ones. Whether it’s your favourite pair of earrings, a pendant that holds a special memory, a bracelet you wear every day or a ring you never take off, these pieces are designed to move effortlessly with you. They are versatile, easy to wear and a reminder that while jewellery can feel beautifully light, the memories and emotions it becomes part of are truly priceless.”
2, Jul 2026
Odisha Cabinet Clears 12 Key Proposals Across Eight Departments, Signals Push for Education, Infrastructure and Digital Growth
Bhubaneswar, July 2 (UDN): The Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved 12 major proposals spanning eight key departments, underscoring the state government’s focus on strengthening education, infrastructure, water resource management, digital governance, food security and disaster resilience.
The decisions were taken at the 42nd meeting of the State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhavan. The proposals are expected to accelerate development initiatives, improve public service delivery and support sustainable growth across sectors.
Following the meeting, the Chief Minister briefed the media on the Cabinet’s approval of the flagship proposal from the School and Mass Education Department, while Chief Secretary Anu Garg outlined the remaining decisions approved by the Cabinet.
The Cabinet considered and approved proposals from eight departments:
- Higher Education Department – 1 proposal
- Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department – 2 proposals
- Electronics and Information Technology Department – 1 proposal
- Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department – 1 proposal
- Works Department – 2 proposals
- Water Resources Department – 3 proposals
- School and Mass Education Department – 1 proposal
- Revenue and Disaster Management Department – 1 proposal
The approved measures cover a wide range of development priorities, including strengthening the education system, expanding fisheries and livestock infrastructure, enhancing digital services, improving food distribution, upgrading public infrastructure, modernising water resource management and reinforcing disaster preparedness.
Particular emphasis was placed on the proposal from the School and Mass Education Department, which is expected to significantly enhance access to quality education and benefit students across the state.
The Cabinet’s decisions reflect the government’s continued emphasis on coordinated, sector-specific reforms aimed at improving governance and delivering tangible benefits to citizens. With approvals spanning critical social and economic sectors, the 42nd Cabinet meeting marks another step in Odisha’s ongoing efforts to build resilient infrastructure, modernise public services and promote inclusive development.
1, Jul 2026
10ZiG Announces General Availability of 10ZiG Manager v6 and Linux Virtual Appliance
New Linux-based management platform delivers enhanced scalability, security, and simplified deployment at no additional cost
PHOENIX – July 1, 2026 – 10ZiG® Technology, a leading provider of thin and zero client hardware and software solutions for VDI, DaaS, SaaS, and web application environments, today announced the general availability of 10ZiG Manager™ v6 and the new Linux Virtual Appliance. The release represents the most significant advancement in 10ZiG endpoint management to date, delivering a modernized Linux-based platform designed to improve security, scalability, and operational efficiency while remaining completely free for 10ZiG customers.
Built on a purpose-designed Linux foundation, 10ZiG Manager v6 eliminates the complexity and licensing costs often associated with Windows Server-based management infrastructures. The platform enables organizations to manage large-scale endpoint environments more efficiently while simplifying deployment and ongoing administration.
The introduction of the Linux Virtual Appliance further streamlines implementation by providing a pre-configured management environment that can be deployed in minutes. Designed to reduce infrastructure overhead and maintenance requirements, the appliance offers a smaller attack surface and lower total cost of ownership compared to traditional management server deployments.
“10ZiG Manager v6 and the Linux Virtual Appliance represent the future of endpoint management for our customers,” said Kevin Greenway, CTO at 10ZiG Technology. “We’ve combined the security and simplicity of a purpose-built Linux appliance with extensive scalability improvements delivered across the Manager platform over the last year. The result is a management solution capable of supporting organizations of virtually any size while remaining completely free for our customers.”
The release builds upon a multi-year modernization initiative focused on delivering enterprise-grade endpoint management for organizations supporting virtual desktops, cloud workspaces, SaaS applications, and secure browser environments.
Key enhancements in 10ZiG Manager v6 include:
- Linux Virtual Appliance deployment: Rapid implementation through a purpose-built Linux appliance that simplifies management and reduces infrastructure overhead.
- Complete UI overhaul: The Web Console leverages a completely overhauled website based UI framework, improving performance and response times throughout.
- Modern identity and access controls: Enhanced multi-tenancy, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), and Microsoft Entra integration for stronger security and administrative governance.
- Cloud-enabled management and support: Secure Connector cloud management, Secure Endpoint shadowing, and remote assistance capabilities that simplify support for distributed environments.
- Automation and policy-driven administration: Improved endpoint onboarding, automation, policy management, and streamlined workflows that reduce operational effort.
- Enterprise reporting and visibility: Comprehensive reporting, auditing, and management insights that improve control and compliance across endpoint environments.
- Massive scalability and performance improvements: Architectural enhancements that reduce resource consumption, improve responsiveness, and support large-scale, multi-site deployments with greater reliability.
The platform also introduces significant architectural enhancements designed to support large-scale deployments with improved performance and reliability, including reduced CPU and memory utilization, intelligent endpoint check-in queuing, database optimizations, enhanced web console responsiveness, and improved performance across multi-site environments. Together, these advancements allow organizations to manage thousands of endpoints more efficiently while reducing infrastructure requirements and improving platform stability.
Unlike many competing endpoint management platforms that require per-device licensing, premium feature subscriptions, or additional cloud management fees, 10ZiG Manager v6 continues 10ZiG’s longstanding commitment to providing enterprise-grade management at no additional cost.
1, Jul 2026
Cabinet Approves INR 7,145 Crore Kanpur–Kabrai Highway Project
New Delhi, July 1: The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹7,145 crore highway project to construct a new road corridor between Kanpur and Kabrai in Uttar Pradesh.
The proposed highway is aimed at improving regional connectivity, reducing travel time, and easing traffic congestion on existing routes. It is expected to provide a faster and safer travel option for both passengers and freight movement.
Officials said the project will strengthen links between key towns and nearby industrial and economic centres, supporting smoother logistics and better access to markets.
The highway is also expected to boost regional development by improving road infrastructure and facilitating economic activity across connected districts.
The initiative reflects the government’s continued focus on expanding modern road infrastructure to improve mobility and support economic growth.
