Category: news

Odisha Launches MICE Incentive Portal to Attract Global Business Events

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 5 (UDN): Odisha has taken a major step towards strengthening its position as a destination for business events, conferences and experiential tourism with the launch of a dedicated MICE Incentive Portal.

The digital platform was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida during a high-level roundtable on developing the state’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) ecosystem.

The session was organised jointly by the Odisha Tourism Department and FICCI at Mayfair Sanctuary as part of Odisha Travel Bazaar 2026.

One-Stop Digital Platform for MICE Sector

According to the Tourism Department, Odisha has become the first state in India to introduce a dedicated digital platform focused on promoting destinations for corporate events and facilitating applications for financial incentives.

The portal is expected to make it easier for event organisers, tourism operators and investors to explore opportunities, access incentives and navigate the application process.

Faster Approvals, Investment Support

Addressing industry representatives, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said the state government was committed to creating a transparent and investor-friendly environment for MICE events.

She said the government would work with the private sector to identify administrative hurdles, streamline approvals and consider targeted capital subsidies to encourage investment.

The support will extend beyond corporate conferences to areas such as destination weddings, sports events and cultural and heritage-based programmes.

Odisha’s Heritage as a Tourism Advantage

Parida highlighted Odisha’s rich cultural and historical assets as key attractions for the growing destination-events market.

She said Bhubaneswar’s temples, heritage sites, traditional culture, cuisine and scenic destinations could provide distinctive experiences for corporate groups, wedding planners and younger travellers seeking immersive tourism.

Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh outlined investment opportunities under the Odisha Tourism Investment Policy, emphasising government support for heritage, sports and business events.

Industry Calls for Cultural Integration

Sabbas Joseph, FICCI MICE Tourism Committee Chairman and Co-Founder of Wizcraft Group, presented an industry roadmap aimed at integrating Odisha’s heritage, handicrafts, cuisine and local traditions into conference and hospitality experiences.

Celebrity chef and Odisha’s brand ambassador for Odia cuisine Ranveer Brar stressed that cultural authenticity should remain at the heart of the state’s tourism promotion.

Brar proposed a 100-day mapping exercise to identify potential event venues, local storytellers, traditional recipes, cooks, markets and festivals that could become part of Odisha’s experiential tourism offering.

He also called for greater direct support to indigenous artisans and the use of language and interpretation services to present Odisha’s traditions to domestic and international visitors without compromising their cultural identity.

Odisha Eyes Bigger Share of MICE Tourism

The roundtable brought together government officials, tourism stakeholders and industry representatives to discuss the infrastructure, professional standards and operational systems required to attract major national and international events.

With the new incentive portal, policy support and growing focus on experiential tourism, Odisha is seeking to position itself as a competitive destination for conventions, incentive travel, destination weddings and culturally immersive events.

Nandankanan Adds 36 New Animals and Birds Across 11 Species

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 5 (UDN): Wildlife enthusiasts and tourists have more reasons to visit Nandankanan Zoological Park, with the zoo adding 36 new animals and birds belonging to 11 species to its growing collection.

 Representational Image 

The newly developed enclosures were opened to visitors on October 3 as part of the ongoing State-level Wildlife Week celebrations, offering visitors an opportunity to see several species that are rarely found in this part of the country.

Zebras, Kangaroos and More

Among the latest additions are zebras, kangaroos, wallabies, meerkats and tufted capuchin monkeys. The new collection also includes a range of colourful exotic birds, such as scarlet ibis, sulphur-crested cockatoos and three varieties of macaws.

The arrival of these species is expected to be a major attraction, particularly for children and families visiting the zoo during the festive season.

New Enclosures for Better Visitor Experience

The newly constructed enclosures have been designed with attention to the animals’ welfare while also providing visitors with better viewing opportunities.

Zoo officials said the facilities aim to provide suitable living conditions for the newly introduced species while creating an engaging and educational experience for tourists.

The additions are expected to further diversify Nandankanan’s animal collection and enhance its appeal as a major wildlife destination in Odisha.

Focus on Wildlife Education and Conservation

Officials said the introduction of new species is not merely aimed at increasing visitor footfall. It is also intended to strengthen wildlife education, conservation awareness and public engagement with biodiversity.

The new arrivals come at a time when Wildlife Week celebrations are encouraging people to learn more about the importance of protecting animals and their natural habitats.

With its expanded collection and upgraded enclosures, Nandankanan Zoological Park is set to offer visitors a broader glimpse into the world of wildlife while reinforcing its role in conservation and environmental education.

Sharadiya Shodasha Upachara Puja Begins at Odisha’s Shakti Peethas

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 5 (UDN): The sacred Sharadiya Shodasha Upachara Puja has begun at several revered Shakti Peethas across Odisha, ushering in 16 days of elaborate rituals, devotional ceremonies and special adornments of the presiding deities.

 Representational Image 

With the onset of the annual worship, temples across the state have come alive with the chanting of mantras, ringing of bells and devotional hymns as devotees throng the shrines to seek the blessings of the Goddess during the auspicious Sharadiya season.

The special rituals will continue for 16 days and culminate on Vijaya Dashami. Throughout the period, the deities will appear in different traditional beshas, while priests will perform a series of special rituals and ceremonies.

Chandi Path and Homa to Continue Daily

The religious observances include daily Chandi Path and Homa Yajna, along with several other traditional rituals.

The festivities began with sacred ceremonies including Ghata Sthapana and Sahasra Kumbha Abhisheka. Special worship will also be conducted on significant occasions such as Mula Ashtami and Durga Ashtami, drawing larger crowds of devotees to the temples.

Maa Cuttack Chandi Adorned in Suna Besha

In Cuttack, the city’s presiding deity Maa Cuttack Chandi, along with Maa Gadachandi, has been adorned in Suna Besha. Draped in glittering gold ornaments, the deities offered a special and spiritually significant darshan to devotees.

The Shodasha Upachara period holds special significance for devotees, providing an opportunity to witness elaborate rituals and different forms of the Goddess throughout the 16-day observance.

Festive Spirit Grips Odisha

With the rituals now underway, major Shakti shrines across Odisha are preparing for an increasingly vibrant festive atmosphere. Temple authorities have stepped up preparations as devotees are expected to visit in large numbers during the coming days.

The culmination of the sacred observance on Vijaya Dashami will mark the end of the 16-day worship, bringing the Sharadiya celebrations at the Shakti Peethas to a grand close.

Payward and Singapore Gulf Bank Partner to Bring 24/7 Settlement to Institutional Digital Asset Markets

Payward has integrated SGB Net, Singapore Gulf Bank’s real-time clearing network, allowing institutional clients in Asia and the Gulf region to settle instantly at any hour. SGB will also onboard Kraken Prime as an additional source of digital asset liquidity.

SYDNEY, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Payward, the unified financial infrastructure platform behind Kraken, and Singapore Gulf Bank (SGB), a fully licensed digital bank regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, today announced a strategic partnership to bring always-on settlement to institutional digital asset markets available to specific jurisdictions only. 

With this partnership, Payward has integrated SGB Net, SGB’s real-time multi-currency clearing network. It allows institutional clients of both firms to now settle transactions instantly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The settlement offering initially starts with US dollar transactions for a select number of clients, with plans to expand to more clients and additional currencies over time.

Settlement between banks and trading venues have historically taken days and been held to fixed cut-off times, even as digital asset markets trade around the clock. Through SGB Net, an SGB client can deposit funds with Payward and put them to work instantly, at any hour. SGB is also partnering with Kraken Prime, Payward’s full-service prime brokerage solution, to access liquidity for its digital asset offerings. Over the coming months, it will draw on Payward’s markets to price trades for its own customers.

SGB launched SGB Net in 2025 for digital asset businesses with growing operational needs, and the network has since scaled to process more than $20 billion in fiat transactions each month. SGB is backed by Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, and by Singapore’s Whampoa Group, and it onboards corporate clients digitally across markets.

“Exchanges, payment providers, OTC desks and fintechs all run into the same banking constraint. Settlement stops when the business day does, while their markets do not. SGB has built settlement infrastructure that reflects the future of digital asset banking and payments,” said Mark Greenberg, Chief Commercial Officer of Payward. “Every regulated bank we connect with this way brings us closer to a world where settlement and cross-border payments happen in real time, wherever our clients are.”

“Access to liquidity is only useful if clients can move funds when they need to,” said Shawn Chan, Chief Executive Officer, SGB. “By connecting SGB Net with Payward and partnering with Kraken Prime, we are bringing settlement and liquidity closer together, giving clients more flexibility in how they fund and manage their digital asset activity.”

To support clients across borders and asset classes, SGB offers corporate and personal banking accounts to businesses and individuals worldwide, combining multi-currency accounts, international payments and remote account opening with access to digital asset services.

The partnership is part of enhancing Payward Banking, the money layer behind the Payward platform, which modernizes how clients move cash across deposits, payments, cards, custody, and lending. As digital asset markets and traditional banking offerings converge, clients expect their cash to move as quickly as the assets they trade. Working with leading regulated banks lets Payward bring that speed to new markets, and Payward will keep adding banking partners to offer a broader suite of banking services to clients worldwide.

About Payward:

Payward, Inc. is a unified financial infrastructure platform that powers a family of products advancing an open, global financial system. Built on a single shared architecture, Payward enables customers to hold, trade, earn, pay, and invest across asset classes without friction or fragmentation.

At its core, Payward provides the infrastructure layer behind Kraken and a growing set of purpose-built products, including NinjaTrader, Breakout, xStocks, and CF Benchmarks.

Payward separates infrastructure from product expression. Each product surface is designed for a specific customer segment, regulatory regime, and use case, while operating on the same global foundation:

• One global liquidity pool
• One unified risk and margin engine
• One collateral and settlement system
• One compliance and licensing framework

This shared architecture allows Payward to scale efficiently, launch new products at low marginal cost, and serve diverse global markets while maintaining consistent risk management, regulatory integrity, and operational resilience.

For more information about Payward, please visit www.payward.com.

About Singapore Gulf Bank:

Singapore Gulf Bank (SGB) is the bank for all of finance, serving businesses and individuals worldwide. Backed by Whampoa Group, a Singapore-based investment holding company, and Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, SGB is fully licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain.

For more information, visit https://www.sgb.com/

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Seatrium and Karpowership Extend Collaboration with Ninth FSRU Conversion

SINGAPORE, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following the successful naming and sail away of LNGT Türkiye, Seatrium Limited (“Seatrium” or the “Group“) and its strategic partner Karpowership are advancing their long-standing collaboration with the ninth Floating Storage Regasification Unit (“FSRU“) conversion project, LNGT Akdeniz. The vessel will form part of the LNG fleet of Kinetics, Karpowership’s energy transition initiative. The award follows the delivery of seven FSRUs since 2018 and the ongoing conversion of LNGT Karadeniz, the partnership’s eighth FSRU project.

Mr Gokhan Kocak, Chief Technical Operations Officer, Karpowership, said, “The successful delivery of LNGT Türkiye and the award of LNGT Akdeniz are important milestones in the continued growth of Karpowership’s LNG-to-Power business. Together, these FSRUs strengthen our ability to provide reliable and flexible energy solutions to markets where energy security is critical. Seatrium has been a key enabler of this journey, consistently delivering high-quality FSRU conversions that support our operational requirements and long-term growth plans. As global demand for flexible energy infrastructure continues to grow, we look forward to advancing our ongoing projects and exploring new opportunities together.”

Mr Alvin Gan, Executive Vice President, Repairs and Upgrades, Seatrium, said, “What began as a bold vision in 2018 has evolved into a strong and enduring partnership built on trust, shared success and a commitment to excellence. The award of LNGT Akdeniz, our ninth FSRU project with Karpowership and the second unit in Karpowership’s next-generation FSRU series, is a testament to the strength of this collaboration and further reinforces Seatrium’s position as a global leader in floating LNG infrastructure solutions. Featuring a regasification capacity of up to 600 MMscfd^[1], LNGT Akdeniz will play a vital role in supporting reliable and flexible energy supply. We are grateful to Karpowership for its continued trust and confidence in Seatrium, and we look forward to building on this successful partnership to deliver innovative energy solutions for the future.”

The newly awarded LNGT Akdeniz project involves the conversion of an LNG carrier into a FSRU, with work scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2027. Seatrium’s scope includes the engineering, conversion, integration, installation and commissioning of regasification equipment and associated systems. Upon completion, LNGT Akdeniz will enhance LNG import and regasification capabilities in its target market, supporting energy security and a reliable supply of cleaner energy.

Following the award of LNGT Karadeniz, LNGT Akdeniz is the second project to materialise under the previously announced Letter of Intent (LOI) between the two parties. Apart from three FSRU conversions, the LOI had also provided for the potential integration of up to six new-generation Powerships, creating opportunities for both companies to support evolving global energy needs through integrated floating energy solutions.

With a track record of 22 successful FSRU and FSU conversion projects completed since 2007, Seatrium is a global leader in floating LNG infrastructure solutions, setting industry benchmarks in engineering excellence and project execution. Karpowership, meanwhile, operates the world’s only Powership fleet, comprising 45 vessels, while Kinetics, its energy transition initiative, will expand its LNG fleet to 12 vessels with the addition of LNGT Akdeniz. Together, these capabilities reinforce the companies’ ability to deliver integrated floating power and LNG infrastructure across global markets.

About Karpowership

Karpowership is a global energy company specializing in fast-track and integrated power solutions. With a fleet of 45 Powerships and a total installed capacity exceeding 8,500 MW; the company delivers turnkey energy solutions wherever and whenever they’re needed.

As the only owner, operator, and builder of the world’s only Powership fleet, Karpowership offers a plug-and-play solution that can be directly connected to the grid and start generating electricity in less than 30 days. 

In addition to its signature Powerships, Karpowership offers floating LNG solutions, with a fleet of 12 LNG assets, including the ones in the pipeline, that is composed of FSRUs and LNG carriers. Its LNG-to-Power model supports a cleaner and flexible energy future.

With over 30 years of experience, Karpowership remains committed to delivering sustainable, reliable power; empowering nations and communities beyond the grid.

Discover more: Website | LinkedIn

About Seatrium Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore, Seatrium Limited is a leading provider of specialised engineering solutions for the global offshore, marine, and energy sectors. Seatrium plays a pivotal role in delivering offshore energy infrastructure assets globally that is the backbone of some of the world’s essential energy systems.

With over 60 years of proven expertise, Seatrium operates across 15 countries through an integrated network of advanced yards, engineering and technology centres; supported by a diverse and dedicated workforce of more than 24,000 employees.

Seatrium’s diversified business positions it to play a critical role in the global energy transition. Its core business segments mainly include Oil & Gas Newbuilds and Conversions; Offshore Wind; Repairs & Upgrades. Its expanding product portfolio includes FPSOs, FPUs, Offshore Converter Platforms and a wide range of offshore installation vessels, amongst others.

Longstanding customer relationships with the world’s largest energy majors, asset operators and owners, and Transmission System Operators underscore Seatrium’s ability to consistently deliver high standards of safety, quality and timeliness.

Amidst the global energy transition, Seatrium has robust capabilities in developing new technologies and solutions (such as Carbon Capture & Storage and New Energies). Guided by a culture of innovation; and core values prioritising people, safety and sustainability; Seatrium strives to create enduring value for all stakeholders, engineering towards a sustainable energy future.

Discover more: Website | LinkedIn

^[1] MMscfd, or million standard cubic feet per day, is a standard measure of gas flow rate.

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CSL and Alentis announce global partnership to develop and commercialise lixudebart for rare kidney and liver diseases

Alentis to receive US$355 million initial payment and up to US$1.2 billion in commercial milestones, with global profits shared

MELBOURNE, Australia and BASEL, Switzerland, Oct. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CSL and Alentis Therapeutics today announced they have entered into an exclusive global collaboration agreement to co-develop and co-promote lixudebart, which has the potential to become a first-in-class therapy targeting claudin-1 across a range of kidney, liver and other diseases.

Lixudebart is currently being evaluated in the ongoing Phase 2 RENAL trial in patients with ANCA (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies)-associated vasculitis with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (AAV-RPGN), a rare and potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease that can cause irreversible kidney damage and end-stage renal disease.

With a novel mechanism of action, lixudebart exerts potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects to potentially prevent and reverse organ damage in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and numerous other kidney, liver and lung diseases. The ongoing phase 2 trial is designed to translate these mechanistic effects into meaningful clinical impact.  

The collaboration brings together Alentis’ scientific expertise as the leading clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company targeting claudin-1 and CSL’s global development and commercialisation capabilities in nephrology, with a shared goal of bringing innovative and highly impactful treatment options to patients with rare kidney and liver diseases. In addition to AAV-RPGN, the two companies will advance lixudebart as a novel treatment for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare progressive kidney disease, and for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), an autoimmune chronic liver disease.

“This partnership enables us to dramatically accelerate the development of lixudebart in several indications in parallel,” said Dr Mark Pruzanski, Chief Executive Officer of Alentis Therapeutics. “We are convinced CSL’s demonstrated clinical development and commercialisation capabilities in AAV and kidney diseases makes them the right partner to bring lixudebart to patients. More broadly, this furthers the validation of claudin-1 as a novel therapeutic target and we are excited about the potential to accelerate the advancement of our other clinical stage assets and preclinical pipeline.”

“Patients diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis face rapid kidney function decline, leaving them at risk of irreversible damage even with currently available treatments,” said Dr Bill Mezzanotte, EVP, Head of R&D, CSL. “We believe lixudebart has the potential to become an important new therapeutic option to help improve kidney function and prevent progression to end-stage kidney disease, first in AAV-RPGN and hopefully also in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, while potentially showing similar benefit on liver function in primary sclerosing cholangitis. Our partnership with Alentis reflects CSL’s commitment to building a leading global nephrology franchise, and our strategic intent to create high-value external partnerships.”

Under the agreement, CSL and Alentis will jointly develop and co-promote lixudebart. CSL will make an initial payment to Alentis of US$355 million, with Alentis eligible to receive up to an additional US$1.2 billion in commercial milestone payments. In addition to these payments, CSL will fully fund the completion of the ongoing Phase 2 RENAL trial and planned Phase 3 trial in AAV-RPGN, the Phase 2 trials in FSGS and PSC and other supporting development activities. Once commercialised, global profits will be shared 55 per cent to CSL and 45 per cent to Alentis.

About AAV-RPGN

ANCA (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies)-associated vasculitis with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (AAV-RPGN) is a rare, severe and potentially fatal autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks small blood vessels in the kidney. RPGN is characterized by rapid loss of kidney function over a very short period (days to weeks). Despite potent immunosuppressive treatment, most patients develop significant or total loss of kidney function.

About Lixudebart

Lixudebart (formerly known as ALE.F02) is an investigational monoclonal antibody that selectively targets exposed claudin-1, a key driver of inflammatory and fibrotic signalling pathways in numerous fibrotic diseases of the kidney, liver, lung, intestine and other solid organs. In an interim analysis of 26 patients with AAV-RPGN in the ongoing Phase 2 RENAL trial, lixudebart showed promising improvement in kidney function as assessed by eGFR and proteinuria at 24 weeks. In the Phase 1b FEGATO trial in 41 patients with advanced F3/F4 liver fibrosis, lixudebart demonstrated improved liver function at 6 weeks. In both studies lixudebart showed dose-dependent claudin-1 target engagement, along with a favourable safety and tolerability profile. Lixudebart has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

About CSL

CSL (ASX:CSL; USOTC:CSLLY) is a leading global biopharma company with a dynamic portfolio of lifesaving medicines, including those that treat haemophilia and immune deficiencies, vaccines to prevent influenza, and therapies in iron deficiency, dialysis and nephrology. Since our start in 1916, we have been driven by our promise to save lives using the latest technologies. Today, CSL – including our three businesses, CSL Behring, CSL Seqirus and CSL Vifor – provides lifesaving products to patients in more than 100 countries and employs almost 29,000 people. Our unique combination of commercial strength, R&D focus and operational excellence enables us to identify, develop and deliver innovations so our patients can live life to the fullest. For inspiring stories about the promise of biotechnology, visit CSL.com/Vita. For more information about CSL, visit CSL.com.

About Alentis

Alentis is a clinical-stage, privately held biotechnology company pioneering first-in-class antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting claudin-1 for fibrosis and oncology indications. Beyond the company’s lead antibody for fibrosis, lixudebart, Alentis is developing oncology candidates ALE.P02 and ALE.P03. These are claudin-1 targeted ADCs with a tubulin inhibitor payload and topoisomerase‑I inhibitor payload, respectively. ALE.P02 was granted Fast Track designation by FDA for the treatment of advanced or metastatic claudin-1 expressing squamous cancers, irrespective of the organ of origin. Both ADCs are currently in Phase 1/2 studies enrolling patients with a variety of solid tumor types.

Alentis was founded on the groundbreaking research in the laboratory of Prof. Thomas Baumert, MD, at the University of Strasbourg and the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Visit www.alentis.ch

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/csl-and-alentis-announce-global-partnership-to-develop-and-commercialise-lixudebart-for-rare-kidney-and-liver-diseases-302897834.html

Konark Sun Temple Exit Gate Shut for a Month, Tourists Face Access Hurdle

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 4 (UDN): The prolonged closure of an exit gate at the iconic Konark Sun Temple has sparked concern among local residents and servitors of the nearby Navagraha Temple, with visitors reportedly facing difficulties in reaching the shrine.

The exit gate, which is reportedly being kept closed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has remained shut for nearly a month, according to local residents and temple servitors.

Tourists Face Difficulty Reaching Navagraha Temple

The closure has reportedly disrupted the usual movement of tourists who visit the Navagraha Temple, located near the Sun Temple complex.

Local residents and servitors have raised concerns that the restricted access is affecting both pilgrims and tourists who traditionally visit the shrine after touring the heritage monument.

They claimed that repeated appeals had been made to the district administration and ASI authorities seeking the reopening of the gate or an alternative arrangement. However, they alleged that the issue remained unresolved.

BJP Leaders Visit Konark

Amid growing concern, Odisha BJP president and MP Manmohan Samal and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida visited Konark to assess the situation on the ground.

The two leaders offered prayers at the Navagraha Temple before inspecting the area around the closed exit gate. They also interacted with local residents and temple servitors to understand the difficulties caused by the restricted access.

Samal Assures Action

Following the inspection, Manmohan Samal assured the local community that the matter would be taken up with the ASI.

He said he would discuss the issue with the concerned authorities and make efforts to find an early solution.

The development has brought renewed attention to the need for better coordination between heritage conservation measures and the accessibility requirements of tourists and devotees visiting the historic Konark complex.

October Cyclone Threat Looms Over Flood-Hit Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 4 (UDN): Odisha is once again facing heightened weather anxiety as a fresh low-pressure system is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal, raising concerns about a possible cyclone at a time when large parts of the state are still recovering from months of severe flooding.

 Representational Image 

October Brings Back Cyclone Concerns

With the southwest monsoon entering its withdrawal phase, weather conditions over the Bay of Bengal are becoming favourable for the development of low-pressure systems. While it is too early to determine whether the emerging system will intensify into a cyclone, the possibility has prompted increased vigilance across Odisha.

October has historically been one of the most sensitive months for the state’s coastline. Odisha has witnessed several major cyclonic events during the post-monsoon season, including the 1999 Super Cyclone, Cyclone Phailin in 2013, Cyclone Titli in 2018 and Cyclone Dana in 2024.

The recurring threat during October has once again brought memories of devastating storms back to coastal communities.

Flood-Hit Odisha Faces Fresh Challenge

The emerging weather system could pose an additional challenge to a state already grappling with the impact of an exceptionally wet monsoon.

Odisha recorded around 29 per cent excess rainfall by the end of September, with the 2026 monsoon season emerging as one of the wettest in recent decades. Major rivers, including the Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Rushikulya and Budhabalanga, have repeatedly swollen, triggering floods across several districts.

According to state authorities, 28 districts have been affected by the prolonged flooding, while more than 2.37 lakh people were evacuated to safer locations during recent flood emergencies.

Large stretches of agricultural land in districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput and Malkangiri have suffered prolonged inundation, leaving farmers facing substantial crop losses.

Saturated Ground Raises New Risks

The potential cyclone threat comes with another major concern—the condition of the ground.

After months of heavy rainfall, soil across many vulnerable areas remains saturated. Any spell of intense rain accompanied by strong winds could increase the risk of tree uprooting, landslides, road damage, drainage congestion and prolonged waterlogging.

For farmers, the threat is particularly serious. Paddy and other standing crops that have already endured repeated flooding could suffer further damage if the developing weather system brings heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Disaster Response Machinery on Standby

Odisha has significantly strengthened its disaster preparedness over the years and is widely recognised for its large-scale evacuation and response operations during extreme weather events.

Authorities are expected to closely monitor the evolving system, with ODRAF, NDRF, Fire Services personnel and cyclone shelters forming the backbone of the state’s emergency preparedness.

However, officials and weather experts are likely to face a difficult balancing act—ensuring early preparedness without creating unnecessary panic, while remaining ready for rapid evacuation if the system intensifies.

Intensity and Track Yet to Be Clear

Meteorological conditions may support the formation and gradual strengthening of a low-pressure system, but its eventual trajectory and intensity cannot yet be determined with certainty.

Weather experts are expected to get a clearer picture as the system develops and more atmospheric data becomes available.

For Odisha, however, the message remains familiar: October demands caution. With the state still recovering from a prolonged flood crisis, authorities and residents are being urged to remain alert and closely follow official weather updates in the days ahead.

Odisha Extends Electric Vehicle Policy Till December 31, 2026

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 4 (UDN): The Odisha government has extended the validity of its Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021 by another three months, allowing the existing policy framework to remain in force until December 31, 2026.

 Representational Image

The decision was notified by the Commerce and Transport Department on Saturday under the provisions of Para 11.5 of the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021.

The notification, issued by Principal Secretary NBS Rajput, formally extends the policy’s validity beyond its earlier deadline.

Existing EV Framework Continues

The Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy, introduced in 2021, was aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and encouraging a shift towards cleaner mobility across the state.

The policy provides a framework for promoting electric mobility and supporting the development of an EV-friendly ecosystem in Odisha.

With the latest extension, the existing provisions will continue to apply through the end of December, providing continuity for EV buyers, manufacturers and other stakeholders while the government considers the next phase of its electric mobility policy.

Focus on Electric Mobility

Odisha has been encouraging the transition towards electric vehicles as part of broader efforts to promote cleaner transportation and reduce dependence on conventional fuels.

The extension keeps the state’s existing EV policy framework operational for the next three months, with the new validity period ending on December 31, 2026.

The government’s decision is expected to provide clarity to stakeholders in the electric mobility sector during the transition to the next policy framework.