New Delhi, 24 September 2026: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed an agreement with IIFL Home Finance Limited (IIHFL), with commitment of a US$150 million loan, to expand access to affordable housing finance for women from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG) in India. The project will be implemented through a co-financing arrangement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and private…
Bhubaneswar’s BDA Ekamra Residency Flats Cost More Than Some Govt Homes in Delhi and Mumbai
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24 (UDN): The Bhubaneswar Development Authority’s (BDA) newly launched Ekamra Residency housing project in Kalinga Nagar has sparked discussion over its pricing, with some premium units nearing Rs 97 lakh and drawing comparisons with government housing projects in Delhi, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Representational Image The online application process for the 704-apartment project began on September 18, positioning the development as a premium…
Odisha Steps Up Night Vigil on Dams, Barrages as Deep Depression Intensifies
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24 (UDN): The Odisha Water Resources Department has intensified round-the-clock surveillance of dams, barrages and flood-control infrastructure across the state as heavy rainfall triggered by the deep depression continues to impact several districts. Engineering officers and field staff have been deployed for night patrolling at vulnerable locations to closely monitor river levels, regulate water flow and ensure the safety of critical water infrastructure.…
Puma Project3 Makes Its Way To India For Runners Chasing World Marathon Majors
24 September, 2026: For the first time ever, global sports brand PUMA is bringing its groundbreaking Project3 running project to India. Giving the country’s growing community of runners the opportunity to experience life as a PUMA athlete, successful applicants will have exclusive access to the most innovative PUMA products including Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 and Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3, training guidance, and expert advice on nutrition and…
Heavy Rain Causes Landslide in Kalinga Ghat, Under-Construction Road Washed Away
Kandhamal, Sept. 24 (UDN): Incessant rainfall triggered a landslide at Kalinga Ghat along the Ganjam-Kandhamal border on Thursday, washing away a portion of an under-construction road and prompting authorities to shut the route to traffic. Representatinal Image Heavy water flow caused the road to cave in at Andharikote, with one side of the stretch reportedly washed away. The incident has raised concerns over movement along…
Koraput Teacher Missing After Being Swept Away by Strong Current in Kolab River
Koraput, Sept. 24 (UDN): A schoolteacher went missing on Thursday after reportedly being swept away by a strong current while fishing in the Kolab River in Odisha’s Koraput district. The missing teacher has been identified as Bhimadhar Nayak, a resident of Bangalaguda who is posted at Machliput School. Swept Away While Fishing According to reports, Nayak had gone to the Kolab River with a friend…
Cairns Crocodiles Launches 2027 With Bold New Identity, First Speakers, Regional Ambassadors & Awards Now Open
Cairns Crocodiles, presented by Pinterest, has officially launched its 2027 festival, unveiling a bold new brand identity, revealing its first wave of speakers, launching a new regional ambassador program and opening entries for the 2027 Cairns Crocodiles Awards. Returning to Cairns from 25–27 May 2027, the festival is gearing up for its sixth and biggest year yet, with refreshed advisory boards for both Cairns…
Fishermen Advised Against Venturing Into Sea as Rough Conditions Persist Off Odisha Coast
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24 (UDN): Fishermen have been advised to stay away from the sea along and off the Odisha coast for two days as rough to very rough conditions are forecast amid the prevailing weather system over the region. Representational Image The Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued a fishermen warning for September 24 and 25, cautioning against venturing into the sea during the period.…
Over 37.43 Lakh People Affected by Floods, Heavy Rain in Odisha This Year: Minister
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24 (UDN): More than 37.43 lakh people across 26 districts of Odisha have been affected by floods and heavy rainfall this year, while seven people have lost their lives, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari informed the State Assembly on Thursday. Responding to a question raised by MLA Tankadhar Tripathy on relief measures for flood-affected people, Pujari said the state has also…
RAKEZ recognises companies for excellence in health, safety and sustainability
Ras Al Khaimah, Sept 24: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recognised companies within its business community for their achievements and commitment to high standards of health, safety and environmental practices through its HS&E Excellence Awards and Nujoom Al Salama Programme. The recognition highlighted businesses that have demonstrated strong performance in workplace safety, environmental responsibility, compliance and the continued improvement of HS&E practices across their…