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  • 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.

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

    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.

  • JP Nadda launches WhatsApp-based Ayushman Sarathi chatbot, unified drug registry

    June 29: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has launched the Ayushman Sarathi WhatsApp chatbot along with a Unified Drug Registry to make healthcare services more accessible and digitally connected.

    The WhatsApp chatbot will help citizens easily access information about government health schemes, hospital services, eligibility, and other health-related queries in a simple and quick way.

    The Unified Drug Registry will act as a central digital system to track medicines and improve their availability, monitoring, and regulation across the healthcare system.

    Officials said the initiative aims to make healthcare services more transparent, efficient, and citizen-friendly by using widely accessible digital platforms.

  • 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.

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

    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.

  • ASUS Strengthens Its Expert Series Commercial PC BusinessAcross North Maharashtrato Power Regional Enterprises and Business Growth

    ASUS Strengthens Its Expert Series Commercial PC BusinessAcross North Maharashtrato Power Regional Enterprises and Business Growth

    Nashik, India, June 29: ASUS India, a global technology leader, announced its strategic strengthening of its Expert Series commercial PC business across North Maharashtra. The ASUS Expert Series is uniquely positioned to meet the fast‑changing digitization requirements of the region’s significant economic growth momentum with enterprises, corporations, SMEs, MSMEs, scaling startups, and professionals. With its benchmark promise of a ‘Worry-Free Business Experience’ and purpose-built portfolio for zero operational downtime, ASUS is equipping North Maharashtra’s accelerating educational institutions and economic corridors spanning Automotive & Electrical manufacturers,Industrial Engineering hubs, Green Energy &Power Infrastructure clusters, Logistics&Warehousing hubs, Textile and Loom clusters and Agro-Food Processing. Crucially, this move is reinforced by an unmatched service infrastructure, delivering on-ground service support at 100% pin codes across North Maharashtra, to ensure faster turnaround times for business customers.

    ASUS Expert Series is a powerful commercial portfolio, anchored by the ExpertBook range of next-gen AI-powered business laptops, the ExpertCenter suite of next-gendesktops, sleek All-in-Ones (AiOs) and advanced monitors. Engineered with a focus on design thinking and long-term value, this portfolioempowers business users with Cutting-Edge AI-Powered Performance, Segment-leading Military-grade MIL-STD-810H Durability, Enterprise-Grade Security, Excellence in Service, and Seamless Expandability.

    ASUS remains a globally reliable brand committed to scaling alongside its channel partner ecosystem through transparent, ethical practices and long-term relationships. By offering face-to-face consulting, active demo programs, multi-module training programs, and product customization, ASUS ensures local partners can maximize customer success.

    ASUS Strengthens Its Expert Series Commercial PC BusinessAcross North Maharashtrato Power Regional Enterprises and Business Growth

    Worry-Free Enterprise Support & IT Management: To ensure business continuity and significantly lower the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), the ASUS Expert Series is backed by advanced deployment tools for modern IT departments and a comprehensive commercial support framework:

    ·         Regional Service Footprint: On-Site engineering support covering an exceptional 100% of all pin codes across North Maharashtra explicitly dedicated to business users, backed by a pan-India network of 17,100+ pin codes.

    ·         Dedicated Toll-Free Helpdesk for Expert Series: Technical assistance available Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 9 PM.

    ·         Unified Component Warranty: Equal coverage duration for both the device and its power adapter even on warranty extension

    ·         International Warranty on Laptops in 90+ Countries at no additional cost.

    ·         Up to 5 years ServicePacks : Product Warranty Extension,  Battery Warranty Extension, Local Accidental Damage Protection, Keep Your Drive, Next Business Day Service and Post Warranty, Warranty Extension Packs. On Extension of Product warranty, International Warranty and Charger Warranty also gets extended.

    ·         Global Protection: Out-of-the-box international warranty across 90 countries, with flexible extended pack options.

    ·         Advanced IT Deployment Tools: Built-in enterprise management capabilities including BIOS configuration, zero-touch cloud deployment, centralized driver updates, cloud recovery, and image maker solutions.

    In short: The ASUS Brand Promises Delivering a ‘Worry-Free Business Experience’ with ASUS ExpertBook:

    The ASUS ExpertBook laptop range delivers top-tier performance, ironclad security, and military-grade resilience built for demanding workloads. By taking complete charge of hardware reliability and lifecycle support, ASUS empowers users to completely eliminate IT distractions, and focus on accelerating innovation, expanding operations, and scaling their businesses confidently into the future.

    ·         Worry-Free AI-Powered Performance: Features the latest Intel® high performance up to H Series processors, expandable RAM, and dual SSD slots to ensure lightning-fast multitasking and future-ready performance.

    ·         Worry-Free Expandability: Offers long-term scalability with expansion of up to 64GB DDR5 memory with dual SO-DIMM slots and dual PCIe SSD slots. This is ideal for handling complex workloads, virtual machines, and large datasets, and helps ensure that even the entry-level deployments are future-ready. Multiple display sizes, battery options, and I/O flexibility, including Thunderbolt™ 4, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45 port, and optional Smart Card Reader, ensure that businesses can customize deployments to specific roles, teams, or workflows with ease.

    ·         Worry-Free Security: Multi-layered securitywith multiple hardware, firmware, and software layers, featuring Dual EEPROM Self-healing BIOS, NIST SP 800-193 compliance, Discrete TPM 2.0, Windows 11 Secured-core PC features, chassis intrusion detection,biometric FIDO2fingerprint logins, webcam privacy shield and Kensington lock, to avoid unauthorized access and safeguard critical corporate data.

    ·         Worry-Free Durability: Passes the US Military Grade MIL-STD-810H standard, with up to 13 methods and 24 procedures, achieving the highest standards in the business laptop market. There are additional extensive ASUS Superior Durability Test conducted with 157 procedures to ensure these business laptops can withstand all working scenarios. These includePanel pressure tests of up to 30kg, Hinge tests of 50,000 open-close cycles, liquid spill-resistance test on keyboard between 66cc to 355cc,1 million times key stroke tests, drop tests from up to 120cms, Rump Pressure tests of 50kg and many more.

    ·         Worry-Free Support:Premium enterprise-grade backing that includes 9am-to-9pm expert tech assistance (Mon–Sat) and an unmatched local support ecosystem reaching 100% of regional business locations inNorth Maharashtra.

    ·         Worry-Free Battery Life and Charging: Designed to keep professionals productive all day, without the stress of running out of power. With long‑lasting batteries and fast USB‑C charging (5V–24V) up to 90W, business users can stay mobile and focused on their work instead of waiting for devices to recharge. The innovative charger also supports with PD + PPS support as one reliable solution for fast charging smartphones at 65Watts / 90 Watts and other USB‑C devices as well.

  • India’s industrial growth rises to 5.1 pc in May

    New Delhi, June 29India’s industrial growth accelerated to 5.1 per cent in May, indicating continued expansion in manufacturing, mining, and electricity sectors and reflecting sustained economic momentum.

    The growth highlights improved performance across key industrial segments, supported by rising demand, stable macroeconomic conditions, and ongoing policy measures aimed at boosting production and investment.

    Officials noted that manufacturing activity remained a major driver of growth, while the mining and power sectors also contributed positively to overall industrial output. The uptick signals resilience in India’s industrial base despite global economic uncertainties.

    Economists said the figures point to steady recovery and expansion in core industries, supported by infrastructure development, consumption demand, and increased capacity utilisation.

    The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening industrial growth through reforms, infrastructure development, and initiatives aimed at enhancing competitiveness and encouraging private sector participation.

  • Ariel University Honors World Chess Legend Boris Gelfand, Israel Prize Laureate Prof. Yonina Eldar and War Hero Avigdor Kahalani

    Academic Excellence, Social Impact and National Leadership: Ariel University Awards 2026 Honorary Doctorates to Efrat and Hanoch Daum, Avigdor Kahalani, Adi Altschuler, Prof. Yonina Eldar, Prof. Avraham Gover and Grandmaster Boris Gelfand

     

    The seven recipients embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, leadership, and commitment to Israeli society.

     

    Ariel University held its annual Honorary Doctorate ceremony this morning, Wednesday, on the university campus. The ceremony was attended by Ariel University President, Prof. Ehud Grossman; Rector, Prof. Albert Pinhasov; representatives of the Board of Trustees; members of the academic faculty; and public figures.

    Ariel University Honors World Chess Legend Boris Gelfand, Israel Prize Laureate Prof. Yonina Eldar and War Hero Avigdor Kahalani

    This year, Honorary Doctorates were awarded to seven prominent individuals from the fields of science, security, education, public service and culture. In recognition of outstanding achievements, values-based leadership, and long-standing contributions to the resilience of the State of Israel and the advancement of human knowledge.

    Recipients of Ariel University’s 2026 Honorary Doctorates:

    Prof. Yonina Eldar: One of the world’s leading researchers in the fields of signal processing, computer vision and artificial intelligence, and recipient of the Israel Prize in 2025. Prof. Eldar was recognized for her development of the field of sub-Nyquist sampling, a scientific breakthrough with applications in medical imaging, radar systems and smart sensors, and for mentoring and inspiring the next generation of Israeli scientists and researchers.

    Adi Altschuler: A leading social entrepreneur and changemaker.

    The degree was awarded to her for founding and leading groundbreaking national and international initiatives, including the Krembo Wings youth movement, the civic commemoration initiative Zikaron BaSalon, and the Inclu network of inclusive schools, which have helped promote the values of inclusion, equality and mutual responsibility.

    Ariel University Honors World Chess Legend Boris Gelfand, Israel Prize Laureate Prof. Yonina Eldar and War Hero Avigdor Kahalani

    Prof. Avraham Gover: An internationally renowned researcher and physicist in the field of applied physics. The degree was awarded to him for decades of groundbreaking research in laser, electron and radiation technologies, combining basic science with advanced engineering developments that have industrial and defence applications, and positioning Israel at the forefront of global research in his field.

    Grandmaster Boris Gelfand: One of the world’s leading chess players, who has represented the State of Israel on the international stage for more than three decades, including his historic challenge for the title of World Chess Champion in 2012. The degree was awarded to him for his extraordinary achievements, which placed Israel at the top of the global chess world making him a symbol of excellence, strategic thinking, and perseverance.

    Efrat and Hanoch Daum: Efrat is a social entrepreneur, and Hanoch is a journalist, satirist and bestselling author whose books have dealt extensively with Israeli identity. The degree was awarded to them in recognition of their contribution to strengthening social cohesion and their wide-ranging civic activity, led by the national emergency initiative “Embracing Reservists,” which supported thousands of reservist families and businesses impacted by the war.

    Brig. Gen. (Res.) Avigdor Kahalani: One of the outstanding heroes of the State of Israel, recipient of the Medal of Valor and the Medal of Distinguished Service. The degree was awarded to him for his many years of contribution to the security of the state, his exemplary leadership on the battlefield, and his public service as Minister of Internal Security, Chairman of the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers, and as an author and lecturer on leadership and national responsibility.

    Hanoch Daum, who spoke on behalf of the Honorary Doctorate recipients, first turned to his mother, who was seated in the audience, and apologized to her for not having a matriculation certificate. “At least now I am a doctor,” he said with a smile. He then thanked Ariel University for the recognition and addressed the President of the University, saying that he was not surprised by the impressive figures regarding the high proportion of reservists among Ariel University students. He added: “I believe Ariel University is cultivating the next generation of leadership for the State of Israel.”

    Ariel University President, Prof. Ehud Grossman, and Rector, Prof. Albert Pinhasov, congratulated the recipients and emphasized their extraordinary contributions. 

    President of Ariel University, Prof. Ehud Grossman:

    “This year’s recipients represent excellence across a range of fields: science, security, society and culture. Each of them has shown that personal achievement gains its greatest significance when it serves society, the State of Israel, and the advancement of humanity. In their own way, this year’s recipients have shaped reality, expanded the boundaries of what is possible, and left a significant mark on Israeli society and on their respective fields.” 

    Rector of Ariel University, Prof. Albert Pinhasov:

    “When looking at this year’s recipients of our Honorary Doctorates, it is impossible not to feel a deep sense of pride. These are individuals whose achievements continue to drive Israel’s growth, innovation, and progress. For academia, the privilege of honoring them is also an opportunity to present the next generation with a model of excellence, leadership and commitment to society.”

  • Bengaluru rail network to get four-track corridors within 100 km radius

    Bengaluru , June 29: The Union Minister for Railways has announced the development of four-track railway corridors within a 100-km radius of Bengaluru as part of a major infrastructure expansion plan aimed at decongesting one of India’s busiest rail networks and improving regional connectivity.

    The initiative is expected to significantly enhance both passenger and freight movement in and around the Bengaluru metropolitan region, which has been experiencing rapidly increasing rail traffic due to urban expansion, industrial growth, and rising commuter demand.

    According to the announcement, the proposed corridor upgrades will include the addition of extra railway lines on key saturated routes, enabling smoother train operations, reduced delays, and higher service frequency. The project forms part of the broader strategy to modernize railway infrastructure in Karnataka and integrate Bengaluru more efficiently with surrounding economic hubs.

    Officials indicated that the upgraded corridors will support faster movement of goods and passengers, particularly along critical routes connecting Bengaluru with industrial and logistics centres within a 100-km radius. The project is also expected to complement ongoing suburban rail and high-speed rail initiatives in the region.

    The Ministry of Railways emphasized that the expansion aligns with India’s long-term vision of capacity augmentation, network decongestion, and improved multimodal connectivity in major urban clusters.

    Further detailed project reports, alignment plans, and implementation timelines are expected to be released in subsequent phases.

  • Delhi Cabinet Approves EV Policy 2026 Under Leadership of CM Rekha Gupta

    New Delhi, June 29: The Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved the Delhi EV Policy 2026, marking a major step towards accelerating electric mobility in the national capital.

    The new policy aims to promote wider adoption of electric vehicles, reduce air pollution, and strengthen the city’s clean transport ecosystem. It focuses on expanding EV infrastructure, including charging stations, battery-swapping facilities, and incentives to encourage the use of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers.

    Officials said the policy is designed to make Delhi a leading EV-ready city by improving accessibility, affordability, and convenience for users while supporting manufacturers and service providers in the EV sector.

    The government emphasized that the policy aligns with its broader environmental goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in Delhi. It also seeks to encourage investment, innovation, and job creation in the clean mobility sector.

    The Delhi EV Policy 2026 will be implemented in phases, with detailed guidelines to be issued for stakeholders in the coming weeks.