LIXIL Expands Housing Technology Business in India with New Manufacturing Facility in Hyderabad

Driven by the newly formed “LHT Global” organization, this strategic expansion accelerates international growth to meet surging demand.

GURUGRAM, India, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LIXIL Corporation (“LIXIL”), maker of pioneering water and housing products, today announced a major expansion of its manufacturing footprint with a new window manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, India. Spanning 500,000 square feet and slated to commence operations in 2028, the new plant will substantially boost LIXIL’s local production capabilities in the country—aligning with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative while establishing a highly responsive, localized supply chain under its LIXIL Housing Technology (LHT) India business.

The new facility will be complemented by LHT’s existing window manufacturing plant in IMT Manesar, Haryana, to meet rising domestic demand for pre-engineered aluminum window systems and sliding door profiles marketed under the TOSTEM brand and affirming India as a key strategic growth hub for the region.

The expansion is projected to increase the TOSTEM brand’s local production ratio in the country from 30% to over 60%, significantly increasing local production capability, responsiveness, and service to customers across Northern and Southern India.

A significant challenge for Indian builders and homeowners is to secure consistent, high-quality aluminum window frames for their property projects – from large projects to individual homes. LHT’s expanding production and operating footprint aims to meet this demand with its proprietary TOSTEM “Windows in the Box” solution. This solution ships precision-engineered, ready-to-assemble window kits directly to site with consistent global quality and manufacturing, where 80% of quality-critical processes are managed in-house. This innovation eliminates the quality headache for builders and homeowners who source and coordinate multiple local fabricators. This will be supported by a concurrent retail expansion spanning about 160 partner companies, over 150 showroom locations across 130 cities.

Commenting on the investment, Hardeep Singh, Managing Director, TOSTEM India, said: “India’s rapid development and urbanization must be matched with high quality buildings and homes. We are confident that our new Hyderabad facility will deliver TOSTEM global quality that is proudly “Made In India” for premium, pre-engineered aluminum windows and doors. Together with our Haryana facility, we look forward to serving our Indian distributors, business partners, and homeowners, with “Windows in the Box” and other quality solutions and services.”

Ichiro Murakoshi, Asia Pacific Head of TOSTEM, added: “Our latest investment establishes India as a strategic growth hub for the LIXIL Housing Technology business under the newly formed “LHT Global” organization. We are combining advanced global technology and products with localized operational strength, to more completely serve our customers in the country and in the Asia-Pacific region. Together with industry partners, we look forward to fulfilling the LIXIL purpose to make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.”

About LIXIL

LIXIL (TSE Code 5938) makes pioneering water and housing products that solve everyday, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high-quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all, and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry-leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard, and TOSTEM. Approximately 55,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day. Learn more at www.lixil.com. 

About TOSTEM

TOSTEM is a globally trusted Japanese brand renowned for high-quality aluminium windows and doors. Backed by a legacy of over 100 years, we combine thoughtful design with functional excellence, setting global benchmarks across the building materials industry. Awarded prestigious honors including the Red Dot, iF, Best100, and German Design Awards, our products remain a favorite choice nationwide. Quality is our top priority: every door and window meets rigorous international testing standards and features our patented TEXGUARD coating, delivering superior scratch resistance and protection for up to 40 years. TOSTEM emphasizes precision, durability, and a seamless user experience. Through our innovative “window-in-a-box” concept, each pre-engineered unit ensures a perfect fit, error-free delivery, and effortless installation. With integrated features such as EPDM coatings and rubber gaskets for superior sealing, TOSTEM delivers solutions that harmonize strength and style to enhance the comfort and aesthetics of every living space. (Global website: https://www.tostem.com/; India website: https://www.tostemindia.com/)

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Mesa School of Business raises ₹110 crore to expand its portfolio of programmes for the AI era

Series A co-led by Dharana Capital and Elevation Capital in India’s first startup focused business school

BENGALURU, India, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mesa School of Business has raised ₹110 crore, comprising ~₹85 crore in Series A equity funding co-led by Dharana Capital and existing investor Elevation Capital, and ₹25 crore in venture debt from InnoVen Capital and Alteria Capital. New capital will be used to invest in AI-first curriculum for existing programs, launch & grow new programs and build strategic partnerships with the startup ecosystem.

Founded in 2023 by Ankit Agarwal and Varun Limaye, Mesa runs residential programmes built around learning by doing real things. Every student builds and runs a small business, and learns to use AI to build and launch a tech product. More than 100 founders have taught on campus, and students have worked on over 200 projects with startups. Mesa is also backed by founders including Kunal Shah (CRED), Vidit Aatrey (Meesho), Abhiraj Bhal (Urban Company) and Vijay Shekhar Sharma (Paytm).

Mesa has grown from a single postgraduate cohort to over 550 students across three programmes in the last 3 years: a one-year Post Graduate Programme in Startup Leadership, a four-year undergraduate programme on business & entrepreneurship, and Forge, a one-year programme for fresh graduates.

Mesa School alumni either opt for full time jobs in startups or choose to build their own companies. First two PG cohorts got an average CTC of ₹26 lakh, with the top 25% averaging ₹36.5 lakh. All placed students joined top startups, including Zomato, Zepto, Urban Company, Scapia and Comet, 58% of them in founder-facing roles.

Nearly 20% of graduates became entrepreneurs themselves. 50+ student startups are currently incubated at Mesa Startup Lab, the school’s in-house residency. Put together, they have raised ₹25+ crore in funding and grants and have an annual revenue run-rate of ₹50+ crore. Their backers include Nikhil Kamath, Ronnie Screwvala, Campus Fund, BeyondSeed, Foundery, i-Venture@ISB and IdeaBaaz. Among them is Mumbai Pav Co. which has raised ₹9 crore. Two student founders have already appeared on Shark Tank India.

Mesa will use the funds in three areas. It will strengthen its leadership team and build its capabilities in AI-led programme design and delivery, setting the school up to scale both its existing and new programmes. It will deepen strategic partnerships with leading startups, which will help shape its programmes and offer students industry-led projects, mentorship and job opportunities. And it will invest in launching and scaling new programmes.

“The rapid evolution of modern tech has exposed a glaring disconnect in higher education: students feel unprepared for new-age roles, and companies can’t find job-ready talent. Mesa is bridging that gap by rethinking business education for an AI-first world, ensuring students develop proven, high-impact operational capabilities.” said Vamsi Duvvuri, Founder and Managing Partner, Dharana Capital.

“Higher education in India needs to be rebuilt for the AI era, not patched. We believe founder-led, mission-driven schools like Mesa will be the new-age builders of Indian education, and we’re excited to double down,” said Mukul Arora, Co-Managing Partner, Elevation Capital.

“In an AI-led world, what will set ambitious young people apart is judgement, a bias for action and an understanding of how the world actually works – and those come only from experience. That’s why at Mesa, every student builds a real business with real revenue, uses AI on live problems, and gets feedback from founders who are always in the room. That is why startups hire our students, and why so many of them go on to build their own startups,” said Ankit Agarwal, co-founder, Mesa School of Business.

“AI will take over much of back-office work. Young people shouldn’t spend their early careers in roles that are disappearing, but building, selling and launching things. That’s what Mesa trains them to do,” said Varun Limaye, co-founder, Mesa School of Business.

About Mesa School of Business

Mesa School of Business is a Bengaluru-based institution that prepares young people to build, lead and create value in an AI-first world. It was founded in 2023 by Ankit Agarwal (Harvard Business School, IIT Bombay; formerly BCG and Urban Company) and Varun Limaye (Kellogg School of Management; formerly Amazon). Mesa offers residential programmes for undergraduates, fresh graduates and early-career professionals, and its mission is to build India’s Stanford. www.mesaschool.co

About Dharana Capital

Dharana Capital is an India-focused growth-stage technology and consumer investment firm. Dharana Capital’s current investments include Urban Company, LAT Aerospace, MyGate, Vyapar, Temple, Itilite, Petpooja, Vayudh and Beyond Appliances amongst others. Dharana is backed by top US University endowments and other non-profit institutions.

About Elevation Capital

Founded in 2002, Elevation Capital is one of India’s leading early-stage venture capital firms, partnering with founders from seed through scale. Elevation has invested more than $2.5 billion across 200+ companies, backing category-defining businesses across consumer-tech, fin-tech, enterprise AI, healthcare and deep-tech, including MakeMyTrip, Paytm, Firstcry, Swiggy, Urban Company and Meesho. The firm remains committed to backing audacious founders building enduring companies from India for the world.

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GAC Connects with Europe Through Engineering and Football at 2026 Paris Motor Show

PARIS, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Engineering for a better life. On October 12, the 91st Paris Motor Show opened at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. GAC showcased new energy vehicles across its three brands, with the AION UT Cross making its global debut. GAC. THE ENGINEERS, its brand proposition for Europe, was officially launched, while GAC CARE+ made its European debut, marking a new stage of full-chain localization in Europe.

As the birthplace of the modern automotive industry, Europe is both a key market for GAC and a strategic hub for its global expansion. GAC remains committed to long-term growth, applying an engineer’s mindset to products and technology while deepening local services and ecosystems to become a trusted brand for European users.

In Europe, GAC aims to bring more than high-quality products and services—it also seeks to become part of consumers’ everyday lives. As one of Europe’s most influential sports, football offers a powerful connection between brands and users.

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, GAC and Chelsea Football Club held a global partnership signing ceremony at the GAC booth. Following the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement, GAC officially became the Official Automotive Partner of Chelsea FC. Chelsea legend Claude Makélélé joined the event, interacting with GAC owners, showing off his football skills and signing an autograph for a robotic “young fan”.

GAC and Chelsea first joined forces during the club’s 2026 pre-season tour, laying the foundation for deeper cooperation. Chelsea is the second European football club to enter into a strategic partnership with GAC, following Villarreal CF.

Looking ahead, GAC will use football as a bridge to work with Chelsea and Villarreal CF, engaging fans and creating locally relevant brand experiences that bring GAC closer to European users.

For further information about GAC, please visit https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social media.

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DXC and LangChain Advance Agentic AI Harnesses for Mission-Critical IT Operations

• Partnership brings together DXC’s decades of experience operating mission-critical enterprise systems with LangChain’s technology for safely and securely managing AI agent harnesses
• DXC OASIS, built on LangChain’s open-source LangGraph runtime, is scaling toward 125 customer environments across regulated industries and multiple geographies
• Across 500 measured use cases, OASIS has reduced resolution time by 95% on average, with diagnostic accuracy of 92% or better

ASHBURN, Va., Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a leading enterprise technology and innovation partner, today announced a partnership with LangChain, the company behind the open-source LangGraph agent framework and LangSmith agent engineering platform, to advance governed agentic AI across mission-critical enterprise IT environments.

The partnership builds on DXC’s use of LangGraph within DXC OASIS, its intelligent orchestration platform and operating model for mission-critical IT operations. DXC is also licensing LangSmith to support the development, evaluation, and observability of OASIS agents. OASIS is already in production and scaling toward 125 customer environments across regulated industries and multiple geographies. Together, these capabilities help DXC build, orchestrate, evaluate, and continuously improve AI agents while applying the enterprise context, governance, human oversight, and continuous assurance required for critical technology environments.

Bringing Agentic AI Into Mission-Critical Operations

Through the partnership, DXC is using LangGraph and LangSmith to advance how OASIS agents are built, orchestrated, evaluated, and continuously improved. LangGraph provides the open-source framework for agent orchestration, including capabilities such as delegation, state management, and human-in-the-loop workflows, while LangSmith provides tooling for agent development, evaluation, and observability.

OASIS integrates these capabilities to enterprise IT operations, enabling agents to respond to operational events, investigate issues in parallel, draw on specialized capabilities across technology domains, and bring people into the process when judgment or approval is required. This allows human experts to focus on higher-value decisions while agents provide the capacity and speed to address operational issues at scale. Across specific production use cases, filesystem incidents that previously took 53-90 minutes can be resolved in 3-6 minutes, while database performance incidents have moved from 2-3 hours to 5-12 minutes. Complex problem management that previously required 2-6 days has been reduced to 8-10 minutes.

“Agentic AI has the potential to fundamentally change how enterprises operate their most critical technology, but models alone are not enough,” said Dan Gray, President, Global Infrastructure Services, DXC Technology. “Across more than 500 measured use cases, OASIS has reduced resolution time by 95% on average, with diagnostic accuracy of 92% or better when validated against senior engineer judgment. Through our work with LangChain, we’re bringing together advanced agent technology, operational expertise, and governance to put AI agents to work safely at enterprise scale.”

Scaling Agentic AI with Governance and Human Oversight

A core focus of the partnership is helping enterprises expand the use of AI agents while maintaining appropriate governance and human oversight. Using LangChain technology, OASIS now enables agents to operate within defined authority while maintaining the controls required for mission-critical environments. Actions are assessed based on factors including reversibility, impact, verifiability, and an agent’s track record. Sensitive actions can be paused for human approval before execution, while agent decisions, tool calls, and outcomes are traced to provide visibility into how agents operate.

OASIS also grounds agents in the specific enterprise environments in which they operate. Agents can draw from system-specific and customer-specific information, DXC operational expertise, and vendor documentation, helping them reason using the context and requirements of each customer environment rather than relying solely on general model knowledge. By combining this enterprise context with defined governance policies and human oversight, OASIS enables organizations to expand the role of AI agents in production while maintaining accountability and control.

“Agents are transforming the application layer for every business, and the enterprises pulling ahead are taking ownership of their agent stack,” said Julia Schottenstein, Chief Operating Officer, LangChain. “That means adapting the harness to their business, grounding agents in proprietary context, and building the governance and continuous improvement loops that make agents reliable in production. We’re proud to bring that model into mission-critical enterprise operations through our partnership with DXC.”

An Open Approach to Enterprise Agentic AI

The partnership also supports an open approach to agentic AI designed to give enterprises flexibility and control as AI technologies evolve. OASIS is model agnostic and supports interoperability with third-party and customer-owned systems, enabling organizations to select different models for different workloads based on requirements including quality, cost, latency, and privacy. OASIS is also designed to continuously improve as it operates, using insights from agent executions to improve performance and incorporate lessons from individual scenarios into the broader system over time.

Deployments can span public cloud, private cloud, dedicated, and sovereign environments without requiring a redesign of the underlying architecture. Customers retain control of their data, workflows, and the operational capabilities they build on top of the platform, while preserving flexibility across models, infrastructure, and deployment environments.

DXC and LangChain detail their approach in a new technical white paper, DXC OASIS: The Harness for Mission-Critical IT Operations, which explores how organizations can operationalize AI agents while maintaining governance, accountability, and human oversight across mission-critical environments. 

About DXC Technology

DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) is a leading enterprise technology and innovation partner delivering software, services, and solutions to global enterprises and public sector organizations — helping them harness AI to drive outcomes at a time of exponential change with speed. With deep expertise in Managed Infrastructure Services, Application Modernization, and Industry-Specific Software Solutions, DXC modernizes, secures, and operates some of the world’s most complex technology estates. Learn more on dxc.com.

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Luoyang charts a new path for safeguarding archaeological heritage

JINZHONG, China, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China Daily:

The seventh International Ancient Capitals Forum and 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue took place in Luoyang, Henan province, from Friday to Sunday.

The events showcased Luoyang’s character, industrial strength and cultural charm, with important releases on topics including the protection of archaeological sites and the creative use of cultural heritage.

Home to abundant historical relics and a growing urban population, the city has in recent years sought to protect and revitalize heritage sites while balancing preservation and utilization.

Through long-term efforts, Luoyang has transformed protected cultural relics into archaeological parks. It has adopted measures including building new urban areas away from the old town and explored tailored plans for individual sites, making progress in bringing its heritage to life.

First carved after Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) moved the imperial capital to Luoyang, Longmen Grottoes are a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and a treasure trove of stone-carving art.

To better protect and pass on this gem of Chinese culture, the Longmen Grottoes Research Institute conducts conservation and restoration work, technical research, heritage monitoring and digital preservation.

Projects tackling hazards such as water seepage, unstable rock masses and weathering are steadily advancing, gradually forming an overarching conservation framework for the grottoes.

The Sui-Tang Luoyang City site is another typical example. It served successively as the capital or secondary capital of the Sui (581-618), Tang (618-907), Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-960) period and Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) for more than 530 years, representing the pinnacle of ancient Chinese urban planning and architectural craftsmanship.

Around 2005, low-rise dwellings, enterprises and factories dotted the site. Residents hoped for better living conditions, enterprises sought to expand production, while the site required standardized protection and revitalization.

To balance heritage protection with improvements to residents’ lives, a total of 973 households, nearly 3,300 villagers and 63 enterprises were relocated from the site between 2007 and 2024. Within its palace core zone, 62 hectares of land were freed up for heritage display.

The city also integrated urban green spaces, ecological zones and water-source reserves in planning and building a nearly 200-hectare botanical garden.

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Haribabu Kambhampati’s Odisha Tenure: Green Lok Bhavan, Renewable Energy and Higher Education Reforms in Focus

Bhubaneswar, Oct13 (UDN): As Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati prepares to step down as Odisha Governor following the latest gubernatorial reshuffle announced by President Droupadi Murmu, his tenure has drawn attention for its emphasis on environmental sustainability, renewable energy and improvements in higher education.

Kambhampati assumed office on January 3, 2025, and served as Odisha Governor for approximately one year and nine months. He is set to be succeeded by Braj Mohan Ram, a senior BJP leader from Jharkhand, following the presidential announcement on October 12, 2026.

During his time in office, Kambhampati promoted environmentally responsible practices at Lok Bhavan and encouraged universities across Odisha to strengthen academic standards, improve infrastructure and adopt sustainable campus management practices.

Lok Bhavan Earns Platinum Green Campus Certification

One of the notable milestones of Kambhampati’s tenure was Lok Bhavan receiving the Platinum Green Campus certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

According to the reported assessment, Lok Bhavan scored 88 out of 100 points under the council’s Green Campus Rating System, securing the highest rating. It also became the first Lok Bhavan in the country to receive the Platinum rating under the revised IGBC Green Campus Version 1 framework.

The recognition reflected efforts to improve energy efficiency, conserve water and expand green cover across the Governor’s official premises.

Lok Bhavan’s installed solar power capacity reached 635 kW, while more than 80 per cent of its campus remained under greenery. Water conservation measures reportedly reduced water consumption by over 35 per cent.

Another significant initiative was the transition of the Governor’s official motorcade to electric vehicles, highlighting the potential for public institutions to reduce their dependence on conventional fuels.

Push for Academic Excellence and University Reforms

Beyond environmental initiatives, Kambhampati focused on strengthening higher education in his capacity as Chancellor of state universities.

He emphasised the need to fill vacant teaching positions, improve academic standards and ensure transparent, merit-based faculty recruitment. These measures were aimed at strengthening teaching quality and improving the overall functioning of higher educational institutions.

He also encouraged universities to pursue accreditation, upgrade infrastructure and adopt renewable energy solutions. The promotion of solar power and green campus certification formed part of his broader push to make educational institutions more sustainable.

His approach linked academic development with institutional accountability and environmental responsibility.

From Mizoram Raj Bhavan to Odisha Lok Bhavan

Before his appointment as Odisha Governor, Kambhampati served as Governor of Mizoram from 2021 to 2025.

An engineer by training, he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering and a PhD in Control Systems from Andhra University. Before entering politics, he worked as an associate professor at the university’s engineering college.

His academic background and experience in public service informed his emphasis on higher education, institutional development and sustainability during his tenure in Odisha.

Braj Mohan Ram to Take Over as New Governor

President Droupadi Murmu appointed Braj Mohan Ram as Odisha’s next Governor as part of a wider reshuffle involving six states.

Ram, a senior BJP leader from Jharkhand, previously represented the Palamu Lok Sabha constituency for three consecutive terms and served in the undivided Bihar Legislative Assembly.

His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter at Lok Bhavan, following Kambhampati’s focus on green governance and higher education.

As the transition approaches, the sustainability initiatives and university reforms undertaken during Kambhampati’s tenure remain key highlights of his time in Odisha’s constitutional office.

CM Mohan Charan Majhi Sets Strict Deadlines for Puri’s Key Development Projects, Warns Against Delays

Bhubaneswar, Oct 13 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to accelerate the implementation of major infrastructure, heritage conservation and tourism development projects in Puri, making it clear that negligence and unnecessary delays will not be tolerated.

At a high-level review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of several initiatives aimed at transforming Puri into a world-class heritage and tourism destination while preserving the traditions and rituals of Lord Jagannath and protecting the interests of servitors, traders and local residents.

Airport, Heritage and Temple Development in Focus

Majhi instructed the concerned departments to expedite key projects, including the proposed Sri Jagannath International Airport, reconstruction of the Raghunandan Library and establishment of the Sri Jagannath Interpretation Centre.

The meeting also reviewed plans for a new amusement park, comprehensive development of Sri Gundicha Temple and construction of a new kitchen for preparing Mahaprasad.

Emphasising the importance of supporting livelihoods alongside urban development, the Chief Minister directed officials to immediately rehabilitate street vendors removed from the Grand Road, or Bada Danda, near Srimandir. The vendors are to be relocated to an area around Sri Setu.

Religious Heritage and Cultural Landmarks to Get a Boost

The review covered the development of Gopaljiu Temple at Sakhigopal, Atibadi Jagannath Das’s Satalahadi Math, other prominent Maths in Puri and Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur.

Plans for restoring Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya along the traditional Gurukul model and rejuvenating Bakulaban were also discussed, highlighting the government’s focus on preserving Odisha’s educational and cultural heritage.

Other projects under review included the reconstruction of a heritage bridge near Atharanala, redevelopment of Annapurna Theatre, beautification of Puri beach and comprehensive improvement of Swargadwar.

The meeting also examined arrangements for the Sandhya Arati and the Sagar Bije ritual of Lord Jagannath.

Road Connectivity and Tourism Infrastructure

The Chief Minister reviewed road-widening projects connecting Puri with Brahmagiri, Konark and Bhubaneswar, along with initiatives concerning Sri Jagannath Medical College, Blue Flag Beach, Astaranga Port and Konark Temple.

These projects are expected to strengthen connectivity, improve civic amenities and support tourism-related economic activity across the region.

Development Must Benefit Local Communities

Majhi underscored Puri’s importance as a symbol of Odisha’s cultural identity and a major spiritual destination for devotees from across India and abroad.

He stressed that development must meet world-class standards without compromising religious traditions or the livelihoods of local servitors, traders and residents. He also called for government welfare schemes to reach ordinary citizens effectively.

To ensure accountability, the Chief Minister directed departmental officials, district collectors and superintendents of police to monitor projects personally at the field level and ensure completion within the stipulated timelines. He emphasised coordinated action among departments to translate development plans into tangible social, economic and cultural benefits.

Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting

Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, Puri District Magistrate Dibyajyoti Parida and Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh attended the meeting and briefed the Chief Minister on the status of the projects.

The review signals the state government’s push to accelerate Puri’s transformation while balancing modern infrastructure development with the preservation of its distinctive religious traditions and cultural heritage.

Hirakud Dam: Opening of 30 Gates for Controlled Water Release Mistaken for Leakage; No Structural Emergency Established

Sambalpur, Oct 13 (UDN): Reports claiming that the Hirakud Dam is facing imminent danger because water is leaking through 30 per cent of its gates are inaccurate, according to the clarification provided in the available information. The confusion appears to have arisen from the opening of 30 sluice gates for the controlled release of floodwater following heavy monsoon rainfall in the upper catchment areas.

 Representational Image

The opening of sluice gates is a routine dam-management measure used to regulate reservoir levels and manage increased inflows. Hirakud Dam has 98 gates in total, meaning that 30 open gates represent approximately 31 per cent of its total gate capacity by number. This does not, by itself, indicate leakage or structural damage.

Controlled Discharge, Not Accidental Leakage

The distinction between opening gates for water discharge and water leaking through closed gates is crucial. During periods of heavy rainfall, dam authorities regulate the release of water to maintain reservoir levels and manage downstream river flows.

Separately, reports of seepage within the dam’s inspection gallery have been discussed in connection with maintenance and dam-safety monitoring over the years. Such seepage requires appropriate technical assessment, but it should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of an imminent dam failure.

Dam Safety and Downstream Monitoring Remain Important

Hirakud Dam plays a critical role in flood management across the Mahanadi river system, making the regulation of reservoir levels and downstream discharge particularly important during periods of heavy rainfall.

Water Resources Department officials and dam engineers are responsible for monitoring inflows, reservoir levels and discharge conditions. Residents in downstream areas should follow official advisories and instructions issued by the district administration and relevant authorities.

Public Urged to Avoid Unverified Claims

The circulation of misleading headlines can create unnecessary panic, particularly during the monsoon season. The number of open gates should not be confused with the percentage of gates experiencing leakage.

While the available information does not establish an imminent structural emergency, the dam’s current safety status should be determined through official engineering assessments and verified government updates.

Important note: The claims regarding the opening of 30 gates and the absence of an imminent emergency have not been independently verified in real time for this report. Readers are advised to consult official Hirakud Dam and Odisha Water Resources Department updates for the latest reservoir levels, discharge figures and flood advisories.

President Appoints Braj Mohan Ram as Odisha’s New Governor, Succeeding Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati

Bhubaneswar, Oct 12 (UDN): President Droupadi Murmu has appointed senior Jharkhand BJP leader Braj Mohan Ram as the new Governor of Odisha, succeeding the incumbent Governor, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati. The appointment was announced on Sunday as part of a major gubernatorial reshuffle involving six states.

Six States Get New Governors

The Rashtrapati Bhavan announced changes in the governorships of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. The appointments will take effect from the respective dates on which the appointees assume charge.

Who Is Braj Mohan Ram?

Braj Mohan Ram, 68, is a veteran politician from Jharkhand with a long association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Born on January 1, 1958, in Chandwa, in the Palamu district, he graduated from Ranchi University.

He entered electoral politics in 1991, when he was elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly, serving until 1995. At the time, Jharkhand was still part of undivided Bihar before becoming a separate state in November 2000.

Ram subsequently represented the Palamu Lok Sabha constituency for three consecutive terms, winning the parliamentary elections in 1996, 1998 and 1999 on a BJP ticket. During his tenure in Parliament, he served on several committees dealing with important sectors, including power, coal and railways. He has also been actively involved in social initiatives.

Formal Swearing-In Ceremony Awaited

His appointment is expected to attract considerable attention in Odisha’s political circles, given his longstanding association with the BJP and his political roots in neighbouring Jharkhand.

The formal swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place in Bhubaneswar after he assumes charge as Governor of Odisha.

Governors Appointed to Other States

As part of the reshuffle, the President also appointed:

Om Prakash Mathur as Governor of Kerala

Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as Governor of Tamil Nadu

Dr. Sudha Yadav as Governor of Karnataka

Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen as Governor of Uttarakhand

Dushyant Gautam as Governor of Sikkim

The appointments mark a significant administrative reshuffle, with the new Governors set to assume their respective constitutional responsibilities in the coming days.