Dy CM Pravati Parida Reviews Visitor Facilities at Nandankanan

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 1 (UDN): Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday visited Nandankanan Zoological Park and reviewed the facilities and infrastructure available for tourists at the popular wildlife destination.

During her visit, Parida assessed existing visitor amenities and discussed measures to further improve facilities for tourists travelling to Nandankanan from Odisha and other parts of the country.

Focus on visitor amenities

The review covered several basic facilities, including drinking water, restrooms, transportation and other visitor services.

The Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to identify gaps in existing infrastructure and undertake necessary improvements at the earliest to make visits more convenient and comfortable.

Development with focus on conservation

Parida also stressed the need to ensure that tourism-related infrastructure is developed without compromising the natural environment and wildlife of Nandankanan.

Officials were asked to maintain a balance between improving visitor facilities and protecting the ecological character of the zoological park.

The Deputy Chief Minister said timely implementation of the proposed measures would help provide visitors with a safer and more pleasant experience.

Senior officials attend review

Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Tourism Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, and senior officials from the Forest and Tourism departments were present during the review.

The visit comes as the state government continues to focus on improving tourism infrastructure and visitor facilities at major attractions across Odisha.

Special Gram Sabhas Across Odisha on Gandhi Jayanti; Focus on Grassroots Planning

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 1 (UDN): Special Gram Sabhas will be held across all Gram Panchayats in Odisha on October 2, marking Gandhi Jayanti, with the state government calling for greater community participation in local development planning.

Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik has urged Sarpanchs to ensure that the meetings are inclusive, participatory and focused on issues affecting local communities.

Gram Swaraj at the centre

Invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj, Naik called for villagers to actively identify problems, assess community needs, explore local opportunities and determine development priorities.

He stressed that the views and participation of villagers should form the basis of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) under the People’s Plan Campaign 2026-27.

‘Reform Utsav’ to be a key theme

This year’s special Gram Sabha will also focus on ‘Reform Utsav’, with Sarpanchs asked to encourage wider participation in discussions on government schemes, reform measures and issues related to rural development.

The meetings are expected to provide villagers with a platform to raise local concerns and contribute directly to decisions concerning development activities in their respective Gram Panchayats.

Government pushes participatory planning

The state government has emphasised that stronger community participation can help align village-level development plans with the actual needs and priorities of local residents.

The October 2 Gram Sabhas are therefore expected to serve as an important forum for consolidating public opinion and incorporating grassroots priorities into the planning process for the coming year.

Harichandan Reviews Works Department Projects in Cuttack, Balasore

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 1 (UDN): Odisha Works, Law and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Wednesday reviewed the progress of major infrastructure projects under the Works Department in the Cuttack and Balasore divisions, directing officials to remove bottlenecks and adhere to construction timelines.

The review covered a range of ongoing road, bridge and other infrastructure projects, with the minister seeking updates on their implementation, challenges and measures required to expedite the works.

Focus on temple infrastructure

Harichandan also reviewed proposed and ongoing infrastructure development around the Mahavinayak Temple in Jajpur, with emphasis on peripheral development, beautification and improved facilities for devotees and tourists.

Development plans for Chhatiabat Temple were also discussed. The proposals include widening approach roads, improving connectivity and strengthening infrastructure in the surrounding areas.

Key projects reviewed in Balasore

In the Balasore division, the minister took stock of the progress of the Balasore Ring Road, the road connecting Fakir Mohan Golai with Station Chhak, the Judicial Hub and several other road, bridge and infrastructure projects.

Officials were directed to closely monitor project execution and address issues affecting progress so that the works can be completed within the stipulated timelines.

Officials attend review meeting

The review meeting was attended by Badachana MLA Amar Kumar Nayak, Balasore MLA Manas Kumar Dutta, Engineer-in-Chief (Civil) Satyabrata Behera, Chief Engineer Shivabrata Taria, Chief Engineer (Bridge) Prabhas Kumar Majhi and Superintending Engineers from the two divisions.

The minister stressed the need for effective coordination among departments and field-level officials to ensure timely execution and quality of public infrastructure projects.

The Michelin Guide Expands to Phu Quoc, Vietnam

PHU QUOC, Vietnam, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The MICHELIN Guide announces its expansion to Phu Quoc, the fourth Vietnamese destination, with the Vietnam 2027 restaurant selection to be revealed in mid-2027.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, says: “Phu Quoc has a distinctive culinary identity, deeply connected to the sea and exceptional local products such as its renowned fish sauce and aromatic pepper. What has particularly captured our Inspectors’ attention is the duality of its down-to-earth fishing-village food culture, paired with an evolving dining scene shaped by international culinary talents. This combination gives Phu Quoc a character of its own, and we are delighted to extend the MICHELIN Guide’s journey in Vietnam to the island.”

Phu Quoc’s culinary landscape is shaped by the sea and distinctive local produce. Fresh seafood features prominently in local cooking, alongside two of the island’s best-known products: aromatic Phu Quoc pepper and renowned fish sauce.

This expansion is supported by Sun Group. Mr. Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sun Group, says:

“Phu Quoc’s appeal, as the island continues its journey towards becoming a world-class destination, is shaped not only by its exceptional natural beauty and impressive hospitality experiences, but also by its growing accessibility to the world, particularly as the only destination in Vietnam offering visa-free stays of up to 30 days to travelers from all countries and territories. As Phu Quoc becomes increasingly accessible to global travelers, the depth of its culture and distinctive local identity with gastronomy at its heart will give visitors even more reasons to stay longer and explore the island more deeply.

The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide in Phu Quoc will therefore not only bring the island’s cuisine closer to diners around the world, but also create an opportunity to discover the values that define its culinary identity, most notably the abundance of fresh seafood caught in the island’s surrounding waters, alongside its renowned fish sauce and culinary traditions and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

As the MICHELIN Guide’s Destination Partner in Vietnam, Sun Group is proud to support this journey. We believe that when gastronomy becomes a compelling reason for travelers to visit Phu Quoc, they will stay longer, explore more deeply, and experience the distinctive identity of Pearl Island in a more meaningful way.”

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Odisha CEO RS Gopalan Seeks Voluntary Retirement

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 1 (UDN): Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) RS Gopalan has applied for voluntary retirement from government service, citing health and personal reasons, official sources said.

Gopalan, a 2001-batch IAS officer, has been serving as Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer for nearly two years. He is also holding the additional charge of Secretary of the Excise Department.

The senior bureaucrat has sought voluntary retirement around 18 months ahead of his scheduled retirement, with his service tenure due to end in June 2028.

His application comes while he is serving as the state’s top election official, a position that oversees the electoral administration and implementation of Election Commission directives in Odisha.

Further details regarding the processing of his voluntary retirement application and the appointment of his successor are awaited.

Ahead of Navratri, Odisha Deputy CM Reviews Shikhar Chandi Temple Development

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 1 (UDN): With Navratri approaching, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday reviewed the ongoing development and beautification works at the historic Shikhar Chandi Temple in Bhubaneswar, directing officials to speed up the remaining works ahead of the festive season.

The review focused on ensuring better infrastructure and visitor amenities at the popular shrine, which attracts a large number of devotees and tourists, particularly during festivals and the winter tourism season.

First phase targeted before Navratri

During the review, officials briefed the Deputy Chief Minister on the progress of the comprehensive development plan for the temple premises.

The first phase of the project is targeted for completion before Navratri, following which the improved facilities are expected to be opened for devotees.

The planned works include temple-area beautification, improvement and widening of approach roads, drinking water facilities, parking arrangements, rest areas and other essential visitor amenities.

Tourism Commissioner-cum-Principal Secretary Balwant Singh, senior departmental officials and public representatives attended the review meeting.

Focus on timely completion

Singh apprised the Deputy Chief Minister of the progress of different components of the project and the coordination underway between various departments for their timely execution.

Parida directed officials to ensure that the development works are completed within the stipulated timeframe without compromising construction quality.

She also stressed the need to keep the convenience and safety of devotees and visitors at the centre of the project’s implementation.

Temple to get tourism infrastructure boost

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government is working to develop Shikhar Chandi Temple as a significant spiritual and tourism destination in Bhubaneswar.

The planned infrastructure upgrade is expected to improve the overall visitor experience while strengthening basic facilities around the temple.

With Navratri around the corner, authorities are now working to complete the priority components of the project before the expected increase in footfall during the festive period.

IMG Completes Acquisition of World Nomads, Expanding Global Travel Insurance Distribution

SYDNEY, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IMG (International Medical Group) is excited to announce the successful completion of its acquisition of World Nomads.

First announced in February 2026, the acquisition strengthens IMG’s global travel insurance distribution capabilities and expands its presence in key international markets. World Nomads serves travelers from more than 100 countries and has built a strong reputation for specialized travel insurance products and safety advice for adventure travelers.

“The completion of this acquisition marks an important milestone for IMG,” said Will Nihan, Chief Executive Officer of IMG. “World Nomads is a highly respected brand with a loyal customer base around the world. Together, we are expanding our ability to reach travelers globally while continuing to deliver exceptional coverage, service, and support.”

The addition of World Nomads enhances IMG’s international travel insurance distribution, which will now include the United States, United Kingdom, countries of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Canada. Together, IMG and World Nomads will continue providing travel protection and assistance solutions to millions of travelers around the globe.

“World Nomads has spent more than two decades helping travelers pursue adventure with confidence,” said Nihan. “We are excited to support the continued growth of the brand while preserving the qualities that have made it successful. Customers and partners will continue to enjoy the products, service, and reliability they know today as we invest in new opportunities to enhance the traveler experience.”

To learn more about IMG’s award-winning travel insurance and health safety solutions, please visit www.imglobal.com.

About IMG^® (International Medical Group^®)

IMG^® (International Medical Group^®), a SiriusPoint company, is an award-winning global insurance benefits and assistance services company that has served millions of members worldwide since its founding in 1990. The preeminent provider of travel and health safety solutions, IMG offers a wide range of insurance programs, including international private medical insurance, travel medical insurance, and travel insurance, as well as enterprise services, including insurance administrative services and 24/7 emergency medical, security, and travel assistance. IMG’s world-class services, combined with an extensive product portfolio, provide Global Peace of Mind^® for travelers, students, missionaries, marine crews, and other individuals or groups traveling, working, or living away from home. For more information, please visit www.imglobal.com.

About World Nomads

Since 2002, World Nomads has helped adventurous travelers explore the world with confidence through specialized travel insurance, travel safety information, and expert support.

Serving travelers from more than 100 countries, World Nomads offers coverage for a wide range of unexpected travel events, including emergency medical expenses and evacuation, trip cancellation, and airline delays. Plans also include coverage for more than 250 adventure sports and activities, as well as baggage and gear.

World Nomads believes travel can be a force for good. Through its Footprints program, customers can contribute to community development projects around the world by adding a small donation to their travel insurance plan in support of World Nomads’ nonprofit and charity partners.

Acquired by IMG^® (International Medical Group^®), a SiriusPoint company, in 2026, World Nomads combined its long-standing expertise in adventure travel with IMG’s global resources and assistance capabilities, strengthening its ability to deliver innovative travel protection and customer support to travelers around the world.

Media Contact: Carly Kessler, IMG Communications Manager, carly.kessler@imglobal.com

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Casio to Release MR-G Crafted in Blue Sapphire Crystal

Featuring Multi-Component Structure with Screwless Design

TOKYO, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announces the release of a new MR-G timepiece, adding to the flagship collection of the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The new MRG-D5000 features a screwless, multi-component structure and a bezel rendered entirely in blue sapphire crystal. The watch will be available in a limited edition of only 20 pieces worldwide.

Driven by the philosophy, “Breaking Ground,” the MR-G collection has consistently defied convention in watchmaking. Since its launch in 1996, MR-G has drawn on fine processing technologies and master craftsmanship to create timepieces that combine toughness and beauty.

The MRG-D5000 is the first G-SHOCK timepiece to achieve a shock-resistant structure using components made with blue sapphire crystal. The proprietary MR-G Multi-Guard Structure employs a bezel and case composed of multiple separate components assembled without the screws that can cause sapphire crystal to crack. Casio analyzed the force transmitted to the sapphire crystal when the watch is subjected to impact and developed a shock-resistant structure optimized for protecting that material. The resulting case and bezel combine tough construction with aesthetic beauty. Blue sapphire crystal is also set into the screw-lock case back, which is engraved with an individual serial number marking each of the 20 limited-edition timepieces. The module incorporates Gallium Tough Solar for outstanding durability under intense light and highly efficient charging.

Casio also announces the release of two additional timepieces designed with blue sapphire crystal. The MRG-B5000SA is an MR-G timepiece featuring two-carat, facet-cut blue sapphire crystals at the top and bottom of the case. The bezel is made with a super-hard alloy, while blue arc ion plating (AIP) is applied to both the case and bezel. The GMW-B5000SB, a full-metal G-SHOCK, presents blue sapphire crystal stones set at four points on the front of the bezel.

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