Aadhaar-Bank Linkage Mandatory for Pension Benefits; 3.35 Lakh Yet to Complete Process

Bhubaneswar, June 30 (UDN): Pension beneficiaries across Odisha have been asked to link their Aadhaar numbers with their bank accounts to continue receiving pension benefits, with the government making the linkage mandatory for seamless disbursement of financial assistance.

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Official sources said nearly 3.35 lakh beneficiaries are yet to complete the Aadhaar-bank account linkage. Authorities have urged them to do so at the earliest, warning that failure to complete the process may result in delays or interruption in pension payments.

The government has directed district administrations and field-level officials to intensify awareness campaigns and assist beneficiaries in completing the mandatory linkage. Pensioners have been advised to visit their respective banks or authorised service centres to verify their Aadhaar-bank account status and complete any pending formalities.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at ensuring transparent and efficient direct transfer of pension benefits to eligible beneficiaries while preventing duplication and ensuring that welfare assistance reaches the intended recipients.

Cyber Fraudsters Target College Aspirants, Demand Money in the Name of Admissions

Bhubaneswar, June 30 (UDN): Cyber fraudsters have reportedly targeted college aspirants in Odisha by posing as admission officials and demanding money under the guise of facilitating admissions.

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According to sources, the fraudsters are allegedly accessing personal details of students from the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) portal and using the information to contact applicants and their parents. By referring to candidates’ application details, they attempt to appear credible before asking for payments through digital transactions.

The incident has raised concerns over the security of students’ personal data and the growing misuse of online platforms by cyber criminals. Authorities have urged students and parents not to respond to unsolicited calls, messages or emails seeking admission-related payments.

Officials have advised applicants to complete all admission-related formalities only through the official SAMS portal and authorised institutions. They have also appealed to the public to verify any suspicious communication before making payments and to report cyber fraud attempts to the Cyber Crime Helpline or the nearest police station.

With the admission season underway, authorities have called for heightened vigilance, warning that no legitimate admission process requires payments through unofficial channels or personal bank accounts.

One Glimpse, Lifetime of Blessings: Lakhs Witness Divine Hati Besha as Snana Purnima Concludes Peacefully

Puri, June 29 (UDN): The sacred observance of Snana Purnima concluded peacefully in Puri with lakhs of devotees thronging the Grand Road to witness the majestic Hati Besha (Elephant Attire) of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra at the Shree Jagannath Temple.

Amid an atmosphere of deep devotion and spiritual fervour, devotees from across Odisha and different parts of the country gathered to catch a glimpse of the Holy Trinity adorned in the divine Hati Besha, a ritual that holds immense religious significance. The colourful and grand attire symbolises Lord Ganesha and is considered highly auspicious among devotees.

The ceremonial bathing ritual, Snana Yatra, commenced in the morning with the deities being bathed with 108 pots of sacred water on the Snana Mandap. Following the elaborate rituals, the sibling deities appeared in the revered Hati Besha, drawing overwhelming crowds and filling the temple town with chants of devotion.

Extensive arrangements made by the district administration, police, temple authorities and various service agencies ensured the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival. Crowd management, traffic regulation, drinking water facilities, health services and security measures were effectively implemented, enabling devotees to participate in the festivities without inconvenience.

Officials expressed satisfaction over the successful and incident-free completion of the festival, while devotees described the divine darshan as a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.

With the conclusion of Snana Purnima, the deities will now remain in seclusion during the traditional Anasara period before reappearing for the grand Rath Yatra.

ASME Launches GDTP 2018 Certification

New credential validates design interpretation and manufacturability skills, helping engineers demonstrate competency and employers reduce errors, rework, and delays
 

NEW YORK (June 29, 2026) – The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has announced the launch of its updated GDTP 2018 (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Professional) Certification, a credential designed to help engineers validate critical skills while enabling employers to improve product quality, reduce costly errors, and strengthen workforce and supply chain consistency.

As workflows in manufacturing organizations become more complex and increasingly digital, engineering teams face a growing need for professionals who can clearly communicate design intent and apply precise tolerancing requirements. The GDTP 2018 certification directly addresses that need by aligning with the latest ASME Y14.5-2018 standard, the authoritative framework for geometric dimensioning and tolerancing used across high‑precision industries. It establishes symbols, rules, definitions, requirements, defaults, and recommended practices for stating and interpreting GD&T and related requirements for use on engineering drawings, models defined in digital data files, and in related documents.

The certification provides engineers with standardized proof of knowledge while giving employers confidence that teams can execute design, manufacturing, and inspection work with consistency and accuracy. Demand for GD&T expertise is rapidly increasing with advances in manufacturing technologies, global supply chains, and the adoption of digital product definition practice. GDTP 2018 helps close persistent skills gaps by improving workforce readiness and reducing ambiguity that can lead to scrap, rework, and production delays.

“The ability to apply GD&T correctly is fundamental to modern engineering,” said ASME Director of Learning Experience and Excellence Mair DeMarco. “With GDTP 2018, we are equipping professionals with a credential aligned to the current standard while giving employers a reliable way to ensure their workforce can deliver high‑quality, consistent results that improve their bottom line.”

Career Value for Engineers

For engineers, the certification offers a clear pathway to demonstrate technical competence and advance professionally. It supports increased employability, stronger peer recognition, and greater confidence in applying GD&T principles within modern digital workflows.

The program includes two levels: Technologist and Senior, allowing both early-career and experienced professionals to validate their skills, from interpreting engineering drawings to designing and implementing tolerancing strategies. Certification is valid for three years, with recertification options available. 

Built for Digital Engineering and Workforce Development

Designed for today’s engineering environment, GDTP 2018 reflects the growing importance of Model-Based Definition (MBD) and Product Manufacturing Information (PMI), where standardized, machine‑readable tolerancing is essential. The certification is part of a broader ecosystem that includes updated exams, study materials, and preparation resources, providing a more guided and accessible candidate experience.

For employers, the program supports scalable workforce development by offering a consistent, standards‑aligned framework for building and measuring GD&T competency across teams.

Lightning strike damages dome of Jaleshwarnath Mahadev Temple in Darbhanga

June 29: A lightning strike has damaged the dome of the historic Jaleshwarnath Mahadev Temple in Darbhanga, Bihar, on Sunday amid adverse weather conditions.

The impact of the strike caused visible damage to the upper structure of the temple. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.

Local authorities have been informed and an assessment of the damage is currently underway. A detailed inspection will be carried out to determine the extent of repairs needed, following which restoration work is expected to begin.

Officials said necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safety of devotees visiting the temple, especially given the ongoing monsoon conditions.

The temple, which holds significant religious and cultural importance, continues to attract devotees throughout the year, particularly during major festivals.

Government Examining Facts in Naba Das Murder Case, Says BJP State President

Bhubaneswar, June 29 (UDN): The Odisha government is closely examining all facts and circumstances related to the high-profile Naba Das murder case, BJP state president Manmohan Samal said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters, Samal stated that the government is reviewing all available information pertaining to the case and assured that appropriate steps would be taken based on the findings.

“The government is examining the facts related to the case,” he said, while responding to queries regarding the progress of the investigation into the murder of former Health Minister Naba Das.

The statement assumes significance amid continued public and political interest in the case, with various quarters demanding a comprehensive probe to unravel all aspects surrounding the sensational killing.

Naba Das was shot at by a police ASI during a public programme in Jharsuguda in January 2023 and later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

The murder case has remained a major political issue in the state, with opposition parties and family members of the deceased repeatedly seeking further investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, the government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all facts related to the case are thoroughly examined in accordance with the law.

Further developments in the matter are awaited.