Blog

  • Govt Reviews Rath Yatra Transport Plan, Orders Enhanced Bus Services

    Bhubaneswar, July 4 (UDN): The Odisha government on Friday intensified preparations for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri, directing officials to strengthen transport, traffic management and commuter facilities to ensure the safe and hassle-free movement of lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the festival.

    Govt Reviews Rath Yatra Transport Plan, Orders Enhanced Bus Services

    The directives were issued at a high-level review meeting chaired by Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department N.B.S. Rajput, Additional Director General of Police Soumendra Priyadarshi, Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman Amitabh Thakur, Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida, senior police officers, and representatives of CRUT and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

    The meeting reviewed transport arrangements, traffic regulation, crowd management and parking facilities along the Bhubaneswar–Puri corridor, which is expected to witness a heavy influx of pilgrims during the world-famous chariot festival.

    To facilitate smooth travel, the authorities decided to augment bus services to Puri and ensure uninterrupted public transport operations. Officials were instructed to display standard fare charts prominently and take strict action against operators charging fares above the prescribed rates.

    The government also directed the installation of CCTV surveillance systems and adequate lighting at designated parking areas. Free shuttle bus services will be provided from parking zones to the Bada Danda (Grand Road) to minimise congestion in the temple town.

    Reviewing the condition of the Bhubaneswar–Puri National Highway, the Minister asked officials to expedite repair work, install proper directional signboards and strengthen traffic enforcement to prevent overspeeding and ensure orderly vehicular movement throughout the festival period.

    A comprehensive traffic regulation plan will be implemented from Bhubaneswar to Puri to manage the anticipated surge in vehicles and maintain smooth traffic flow.

    Emphasising that the safety and convenience of devotees remain the government’s highest priority, Jena directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure seamless transport and traffic arrangements for the successful conduct of the Rath Yatra.

  • CSM Technologies Becomes First Odisha-Born Tech Company Listed on BSE, NSE Mainboards

    CSM Technologies Becomes First Odisha-Born Tech Company Listed on BSE, NSE Mainboards

     

    Bhubaneswar: CSM Technologies has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Odisha-born technology company to be listed on the mainboards of the BSE and the National Stock Exchange of India.

    Marking the occasion, Priyadarshi Nanu Pany reflected on the company’s 28-year journey, highlighting that the achievement is rooted not only in business growth but also in its people-centric values.

    Over nearly three decades, CSM Technologies has grown to a workforce of more than 1,700 employees, serving over 200 clients with the support of more than 100 partners. The company credited its success to its “People First” philosophy, which has helped nurture talent, build long-term relationships, and foster a culture of collaboration and purpose.

    Expressing gratitude to current and former employees, the company’s leadership said the landmark listing belongs to every member of the CSM family who contributed to the organisation’s growth and transformation over the past 28 years, reaffirming its commitment to innovation, excellence, and creating lasting value for stakeholders.

  • Odisha News: WTC Bhubaneswar, NSIC Organise MSME TEAM Awareness Programme to Boost Digital Market Access

    Odisha News: WTC Bhubaneswar, NSIC Organise MSME TEAM Awareness Programme to Boost Digital Market Access

    Paradip: World Trade Center Bhubaneswar, in association with National Small Industries Corporation, successfully organised an Awareness Programme on the MSME TEAM (Trade Enablement & Marketing) Initiative to mark International MSME Day 2026 at the IFFCO Community Hall in Paradip.

    The event brought together MSMEs, self-help groups (SHGs), entrepreneurs, industry representatives, and government officials to explore new opportunities in digital commerce, market access, and business growth through the MSME TEAM Initiative and the Open Network for Digital Commerce.

    The programme was graced by Sampad Chandra Swain, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education, Government of Odisha. Addressing the gathering, the Minister reiterated the state’s commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem by promoting digital adoption, enhancing market access, and supporting entrepreneurship.

    The organisers acknowledged the support of NSIC, dignitaries, industry partners, speakers, and participants for contributing to the success of the programme. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger, digitally empowered, and globally competitive MSME ecosystem in Odisha through greater collaboration and innovation.

  • IPICOL, ACME Group Sign MoC to Boost Clean Energy and Industrial Development in Odisha

    IPICOL, ACME Group Sign MoC to Boost Clean Energy and Industrial Development in Odisha

     

    Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening industrial growth and sustainable development in Odisha, the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (IPICOL) and ACME Group signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to promote collaboration in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and industrial development.

    The agreement was signed by Aboli Sunil Naravane, Managing Director of IPICOL, and Manoj Kumar Upadhyay, Founder and Chairman of ACME Group.

    The MoC aims to foster strategic cooperation in developing clean energy projects, encouraging advanced manufacturing capabilities, and accelerating industrial investments in Odisha. The collaboration is expected to support the state’s vision of becoming a leading destination for sustainable industries while creating new opportunities for investment, innovation, and employment.

    The partnership marks an important milestone in Odisha’s efforts to attract next-generation industries and strengthen its position as a hub for green and future-ready industrial development.

  • ‘Alpha’ Opens to Mixed Audience Response; Action, Performances and Hrithik Roshan’s Cameo Win Praise

    Mumbai, July 3 (UDN): “Alpha”, the first female-led film in the YRF Spy Universe starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, has opened to a mixed response from audiences on its release day, with viewers praising the action sequences and performances while expressing divided opinions on the film’s story and screenplay.

    'Alpha' Opens to Mixed Audience Response; Action, Performances and Hrithik Roshan's Cameo Win Praise

    Directed by Shiv Rawail, the spy thriller features Bobby Deol as the antagonist and Anil Kapoor in a key role. Early reactions on social media suggest that the film’s slick action choreography, high production values and the performances of Alia Bhatt and Sharvari have been widely appreciated. Sharvari, in particular, has drawn praise for her action scenes and screen presence.

    However, audience opinions remain divided over the screenplay and narrative. While many viewers welcomed the film as a fresh addition to the YRF Spy Universe, others felt the storyline lacked the emotional depth and gripping pace expected from a high-profile espionage thriller. Comparisons with the “Dhurandhar” franchise have also surfaced online, with some moviegoers suggesting that Alpha falls short in terms of storytelling and narrative intensity.

    One of the biggest talking points has been the special appearance of Hrithik Roshan as Major Kabir, whose cameo has received an enthusiastic response from fans and is being described as one of the film’s standout moments. The surprise appearance has generated excitement about future developments in the interconnected YRF Spy Universe.

    As the first woman-led spy thriller in the franchise, Alpha marks a significant expansion of the YRF Spy Universe. Industry observers are now closely watching its opening weekend box office performance to assess whether positive word-of-mouth can offset the mixed initial reviews and translate into strong collections.

  • Aramex honours logistics industry veteran Percy Avari for nearly three decades of leadership

    Hyderabad, July 3: Aramex, a global provider of logistics and transportation solutions, today recognised the outstanding contribution of Percy Avari, General Manager, India, as he concludes a remarkable 29-year career with the company.

    Aramex honours logistics industry veteran Percy Avari for nearly three decades of leadership

    Having joined Aramex India in 1997 as Financial Controller, Avari played a pivotal role in the company’s growth from its early years into a nationwide logistics network. Over the course of his tenure, he held several leadership positions, including Regional Manager, Western India and Country Manager for India.

    Under his leadership, Aramex expanded its International Express and Freight Forwarding, Domestic Distribution, and Logistics and Supply Chain operations across India. He also helped drive the growth of Shop & Ship, enabling Indian consumers to access international shopping through seamless cross-border delivery solutions.

    A Chartered Accountant by profession, Avari successfully transitioned from finance into business leadership and became a respected voice within India’s logistics and e-commerce sectors. Throughout his career, he served on industry bodies, contributed to sector discussions, and helped shape the evolution of logistics in the country.

    Commenting on his journey, Percy Avari, General Manager, India at Aramex, said:

     “It has been a privilege to be part of Aramex’s journey in India over the past 29 years. I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and most importantly, I am grateful to the colleagues, customers and partners who have been part of this journey. While I am stepping away from corporate life for now, I look forward to exploring new opportunities in the start-up space.”

    Abbas Panju, Senior Vice President GCC and Indian Subcontinent at Aramex, added:

    “Percy has been an integral part of Aramex’s success in India and South Asia. His leadership, dedication and deep industry expertise have helped shape our business and strengthen our position in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. We thank him for his outstanding contribution over nearly three decades and wish him every success in the next chapter of his journey.”

  • NITI Aayog Plans Global Licensing Push for Ayurveda

    July 3: NITI Aayog has proposed a global licensing framework to help standardise Ayurveda practices and products and expand their acceptance in international markets.

    The proposal aims to create uniform global standards, improve quality certification, and make it easier for Ayurveda-based products and services to be recognised abroad. It is also expected to support exports and encourage greater international collaboration in traditional medicine.

    The initiative is part of efforts to position Ayurveda more strongly in the global wellness and healthcare sector while ensuring credibility, safety, and consistency across offerings.

     
  • Indian Business Titans Join Global AI Commission

    July 3: Prominent Indian industrialists including Sunil Bharti Mittal, Mukesh Ambani, and Lakshmi Mittal are among 44 founding members of the newly launched “AI for Good Global Commission,” aimed at guiding the responsible and inclusive use of artificial intelligence.

    The commission brings together global leaders from business, policy, and technology to explore how AI can be used to address major challenges such as healthcare, education, climate change, and economic development.

    According to the announcement, the initiative focuses on ensuring that AI development remains safe, ethical, and beneficial to society, while also encouraging innovation and cross-border collaboration.

    The participation of leading Indian business figures highlights the country’s growing role in shaping global conversations on emerging technologies and their impact on the future economy.

  • India Urged to Strengthen Carbon Markets Amid EU Carbon Tax Pressure

    July 3: Indian industry leaders are urging the government to strengthen the country’s carbon markets, as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) begins to reshape global trade dynamics.

    They warn that the EU’s carbon-linked import tax is pushing exporters to account for emissions more strictly, which could affect the competitiveness of Indian goods in international markets if domestic systems are not strengthened in time.

    Experts say a well-functioning carbon trading system in India would help industries manage rising compliance costs while also encouraging cleaner and more efficient production practices.

    Sectors such as steel, cement, and chemicals are expected to feel the impact the most, as they are highly emissions-intensive and closely linked to export demand.

    Industry representatives are now calling for faster policy action to build a stronger carbon market framework, saying it is essential for protecting trade interests while supporting India’s long-term climate commitments.

  • Nifty Ends Above 24,270, Posts Weekly Gain on Positive Global Cues

    July 3: India’s benchmark equity index, the Nifty, closed above the 24,270 mark at the end of the week’s trading session, registering a gain of around 1% for the week amid positive global market sentiment and sustained investor confidence.

    The rally was supported by favourable international cues, improving risk appetite among investors, and buying interest across key sectors. Market participants also tracked global economic developments and expectations surrounding monetary policy, which contributed to the positive momentum.

    Analysts noted that strong participation from domestic investors and selective buying in heavyweight stocks helped the benchmark index maintain its upward trajectory despite intermittent market volatility.

    The week’s performance reflects continued resilience in the Indian equity market, with investors remaining optimistic about the country’s economic outlook and corporate earnings. Market experts expect global developments, domestic macroeconomic indicators, and quarterly earnings announcements to remain key drivers of market sentiment in the coming weeks.