Category: News

June 29: The custard apple grown in Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh has been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a significant milestone for local farmers and strengthening the region’s agricultural identity.

The GI recognition is expected to enhance the market value of Seoni custard apples, improve branding, and open new opportunities for farmers in both domestic and export markets. Officials said the certification will help ensure better price realization and wider market access for producers in the region.

Known for its distinct taste, texture, and natural quality, Seoni custard apple has long been a key horticultural product of the region. The GI tag formally recognises its unique geographical characteristics and traditional cultivation practices.

Agriculture experts noted that the certification will encourage value addition, processing, and organised marketing of the fruit, thereby improving income stability for farming communities.

The development is also expected to promote rural entrepreneurship and strengthen horticulture-based livelihoods in Madhya Pradesh, while boosting the state’s presence in premium fruit markets.

Basel & Visp, Switzerland, June 29^th, 2026 ten23 health, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) focused on sterile and biologic drug products, today announced it has successfully obtained GMP certifications for the manufacturing and testing of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) in its facilities in Basel and Visp, Switzerland.

These licenses mark a significant milestone in ten23 health’s strategic expansion into the rapidly growing field of advanced therapies. With this authorization, both sites are now GMP certified to support the clinical and commercial sterile manufacturing of ATMPs in compliance with related quality standards. A first oligonucleotide customer program is in progress, advancing further into clinical development. In addition to ten23’s expertise in formulation development, the new GMP license means that ten23 can now also support its Customers for GMP sterile manufacturing and QC testing for clinical and commercial human use for oligonucleotide products such as mRNA, siRNA, DNA and antisense oligonucleotides.

The Basel facility, known for its innovation-driven development environment, provides support for early- and late-phase product development, small-scale non-GMP manufacturing with ten23’s previously announced Line 0 and GMP Quality Control release and stability testing. The Visp facilities, leveraging its state-of-the-art infrastructure and scalability, provide late-stage clinical and commercial sterile production and QC Microbiology.

“Obtaining ATMP licenses for both Basel and Visp reinforces our commitment to enabling sterile medicines for next-generation therapeutics,” said Hanns-Christian Mahler, CEO at ten23 health. “We are proud to provide our partners with integrated, high-quality sterile product solutions that accelerate their molecule’s journey from drug substance to drug products, from concept to patient.”

As demand for advanced therapies continues to grow globally, ten23 health is positioned to be a trusted partner for biotech and pharmaceutical companies seeking flexible, reliable, and innovative manufacturing solutions.

Bhubaneswar, June 29 (UDN): In a major cyber crackdown ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, the Odisha Crime Branch has blocked 50 fraudulent hotel booking websites over the past week to protect devotees from online accommodation scams.

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The action was initiated following multiple complaints received through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, amid a surge in online fraud targeting pilgrims planning to visit Puri for the grand festival scheduled on July 16.

Officials said cybercriminals had been creating cloned versions of genuine hotel and lodge websites to deceive unsuspecting travellers. These fake portals reportedly offered attractive room tariffs, discounted accommodation packages and even bogus VIP darshan facilities to lure devotees into making advance payments through digital wallets and UPI platforms.

Investigations revealed that the fraudulent websites were designed to secure prominent visibility in online search results, thereby increasing the chances of duping pilgrims searching for accommodation in Puri.

According to police sources, online accommodation fraud has emerged as a growing concern in Odisha. Over the past year, at least 30 tourists reportedly lost nearly Rs 5 lakh after falling prey to fake hotel booking scams. In the last two weeks alone, four pilgrims were allegedly duped of around Rs 35,000 through similar frauds.

With lakhs of devotees expected to converge in Puri for Rath Yatra, authorities fear that the scale of cyber fraud could rise significantly if preventive measures are not strengthened.

Following the crackdown, the Crime Branch has intensified cyber patrolling and launched extensive awareness campaigns across the state. Devotees have been advised to verify the authenticity of hotel websites, avoid making payments to unverified accounts and report suspicious portals immediately.

Officials urged the public to use only authorised booking platforms or directly contact hotels through verified channels. Any cyber fraud or suspicious activity can be reported through the cyber helpline number 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

The Crime Branch reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting Puri during the world-famous Rath Yatra festival.

June 29: The Gujarat government has announced a target of attracting ₹10 lakh crore in fresh investments over the next five years under its new industrial policy, aimed at further strengthening the state’s industrial base and boosting economic growth.

The policy is designed to accelerate industrial expansion, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and generate large-scale employment opportunities across diverse sectors. Officials said the framework focuses on improving ease of doing business, upgrading infrastructure, and encouraging innovation-led development.

Key focus areas include manufacturing, renewable energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and emerging technology sectors. The policy also places emphasis on sustainable growth and balanced regional development across urban and rural regions of the state.

Government representatives said the initiative will simplify investment procedures, provide targeted incentives, and strengthen industrial infrastructure to attract both domestic and global investors.

Experts believe Gujarat’s strong industrial ecosystem, logistics advantages, and pro-investor environment position it well to achieve the ambitious target, supporting long-term economic growth and job creation.

June 29: Groundwater depletion has emerged as a major concern for farmers in the Cauvery delta, casting uncertainty over the upcoming Kuruvai cultivation season. Declining water tables, combined with uneven rainfall and irrigation constraints, are raising worries about agricultural productivity in the region.

Farmers in several parts of the delta are reporting increased dependence on borewells as surface water availability remains inconsistent. The situation has intensified pressure on groundwater resources, with many areas witnessing a steady drop in water levels.

Agricultural experts note that the Kuruvai season, which relies heavily on timely water availability, is particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in both monsoon patterns and reservoir storage. Any delay or shortage in irrigation support could directly impact paddy sowing and yield expectations.

Officials are monitoring the situation closely and are expected to assess water release plans from reservoirs to support cultivation. Discussions around improving water management practices and promoting efficient irrigation methods are also gaining importance among stakeholders.

Experts have stressed the need for sustainable water use practices, including crop diversification and micro-irrigation techniques, to reduce pressure on groundwater reserves and ensure long-term agricultural stability in the Cauvery delta region.

June 29: Agricultural loan demand could face short-term pressure due to the impact of El Niño conditions, although overall credit growth is expected to remain healthy, according to a recent report.

The report noted that climatic variability linked to El Niño may affect crop output in certain regions, potentially influencing farmers’ borrowing requirements and repayment cycles. However, strong rural demand, government support measures, and diversified lending portfolios are expected to help cushion the impact on the broader banking sector.

Despite potential stress in the agriculture segment, the report highlighted that credit growth across sectors is likely to remain steady, supported by improving economic activity, rising consumption, and sustained corporate borrowing demand.

Banks are expected to maintain a balanced lending approach, with continued focus on retail, housing, and MSME segments, which are likely to support overall credit expansion. Financial institutions are also strengthening risk management practices to navigate possible sectoral fluctuations.

Analysts said that while weather-related risks remain a key variable for agriculture, the banking sector’s diversified exposure and structural growth drivers are expected to ensure stability in credit performance in the coming months.

June 29: Gujarat’s flagship water conservation programme, the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan, has significantly boosted the state’s water storage capacity this year, adding 20,789 lakh cubic feet through large-scale desilting, deepening of lakes and ponds, and restoration of traditional water bodies.

The initiative focuses on improving water availability and groundwater recharge ahead of the monsoon season, with works carried out across multiple districts. Officials said coordinated efforts by government agencies, local bodies, and communities have helped enhance the efficiency and capacity of key water resources.

Under the programme, extensive cleaning and restoration of water bodies have improved rainwater harvesting potential, particularly in drought-prone and semi-arid regions. This is expected to provide stronger water security for agriculture, drinking water supply, and rural livelihoods.

Authorities highlighted that the campaign is part of a long-term strategy to build climate resilience through sustainable water management and revival of natural ecosystems. Community participation has also played a key role in ensuring the success of the initiative.

Experts noted that the increased storage capacity will help improve groundwater levels and reduce seasonal water stress, reinforcing Gujarat’s preparedness for water security challenges in the coming years.

June 29: The government has introduced a new ‘Improvement Notice’ mechanism aimed at strengthening the ease of doing business framework and making regulatory compliance more transparent, efficient, and supportive for enterprises.

Under the new system, businesses will be given an opportunity to correct minor compliance issues within a specified timeframe before any punitive action is initiated. The move is designed to encourage voluntary compliance and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden on companies, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Officials said the initiative reflects a shift towards a more facilitative governance approach, where the focus is on guiding businesses toward compliance rather than imposing immediate penalties. The mechanism is expected to improve trust between regulators and industry stakeholders while ensuring adherence to rules and standards.

The ‘Improvement Notice’ framework will also help streamline inspection processes by clearly distinguishing between procedural lapses and serious violations. This is expected to reduce ambiguity in enforcement and create a more predictable regulatory environment for investors and entrepreneurs.

Industry experts have welcomed the step, noting that it could significantly improve operational ease, reduce compliance stress, and encourage formalisation of businesses. They added that such reforms are crucial for boosting investment confidence and supporting long-term economic growth.

The government said the initiative aligns with its broader goal of improving the business ecosystem through simplified regulations, digital governance, and faster resolution mechanisms, ultimately contributing to a more competitive and investment-friendly economy.

Puri, June 29 (UDN): In a bid to ensure foolproof security and effective crowd management during the Deva Snana Purnima festivities, the administration has deployed a total of 432 CCTV cameras across Puri for round-the-clock surveillance.

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The extensive surveillance network has been installed at strategic locations, including the Jagannath Temple vicinity, Snana Mandap, Grand Road, major entry and exit points, parking areas, and other sensitive locations to monitor the movement of devotees and maintain law and order.

The live feed from these cameras is being closely monitored at an integrated control room by senior police and administrative officials. The surveillance system aims to facilitate real-time monitoring, swift response to emergencies, crowd regulation, and prevention of any untoward incidents during the festival.

In addition to the CCTV surveillance, adequate police personnel, quick response teams, and other security measures have been put in place to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the annual Snana Yatra.

With lakhs of devotees expected to visit the holy city, the enhanced security arrangements are expected to significantly strengthen the overall safety and management of the religious congregation.