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…
ten23 health obtains ATMP Manufacturing GMP Licenses from Swissmedic for its Basel and Visp facilities
Basel & Visp, Switzerland, June 29th, 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…
Alleged Irregularities Surface in INR 200-Crore Kalinga Studio Redevelopment Project
Bhubaneswar, June 29 (UDN): Allegations of major financial irregularities have surfaced in the ₹200-crore redevelopment project of Kalinga Studio undertaken during the previous BJD government’s tenure, raising questions over the utilisation of public funds and the quality of infrastructure created under the ambitious initiative. The allegations come amid claims that despite the expenditure of crores of rupees on the studio’s modernisation and infrastructure upgrade, the…
Ahead of Rath Yatra, Odisha Crime Branch Blocks 50 Fake Hotel Booking Websites
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. Representational image 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…
Temple Priest Held for Allegedly Assaulting Minor Over Theft Suspicion in Gajapati
Paralakhemundi, June 29 (UDN): A temple priest was arrested in Odisha’s Gajapati district after he allegedly assaulted and humiliated a minor boy on suspicion of theft at a Hanuman temple in Paralakhemundi. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when the minor had reportedly gone to the temple premises to play during a holiday. According to police, the priest allegedly accused the boy of theft and…
Luxury Car Fitted with Secret Compartment Used for Ganja Smuggling; Four Arrested in Odisha’s Ganjam
Ganjam Police Bust Interstate Ganja Smuggling Racket; 100 Kg Contraband Seized, Four Arrested Berhampur, June 29 (UDN): In a major breakthrough against interstate narcotics trafficking, Ganjam Police have busted a ganja smuggling racket and seized nearly 100 kilograms of cannabis concealed inside a specially fabricated secret chamber in a luxury Ford Endeavour SUV. Four persons allegedly involved in the illegal trade have been arrested. Acting…
Delayed OSSC Payments Leave Seed Growers in Distress Ahead of Kharif Season
Bhubaneswar, June 29 (UDN): Thousands of farmers engaged in certified paddy seed production in Odisha are reportedly facing severe financial hardship due to prolonged delays in payments by the Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC), raising concerns over the impact on the ongoing kharif cultivation season. The issue has come under the spotlight after OSSC Director Ashok Kumar Baral reportedly urged the corporation’s Chairman, Sachin Ramchandra…
Illegal Conversion of Farmland into Housing Plots Raises Concern in Gajapati’s Paralakhemundi
Paralakhemundi, June 29 (UDN): The alleged illegal conversion and sale of agricultural land as residential plots has emerged as a growing concern in Paralakhemundi town of Odisha’s Gajapati district, leaving several unsuspecting buyers in distress. According to reports, vast stretches of agricultural land, including Sarad, Bari and Dungar categories, are allegedly being subdivided and sold as residential plots without following the mandatory legal procedures. The…
Gujarat sets INR 10 lakh crore investment target under new industrial policy
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…
West Bengal Eyes Odisha’s Midday Meal Model Following Egg Supply Controversy
Bhubaneswar/Kolkata, June 29 (UDN): In the wake of the recent controversy surrounding the supply of eggs under the midday meal programme, the West Bengal government is reportedly looking to adopt key features of Odisha’s successful school nutrition model to streamline its own system. Representational image Officials from West Bengal are understood to have expressed interest in studying Odisha’s decentralised and cooperative-based procurement mechanism, which has…