Latest news with #Bhubaneswar-based
The Print
7 days ago
- Business
- The Print
Army deployed BonV Aero's GPR drone for rescue operations in Sikkim
The Bhubaneswar-based BonV Aero had developed its UAV platform specifically for sub-surface scanning in complex environments. The deployment followed the Army's immediate need for a reliable solution to scan debris in an inaccessible, high-altitude region, it added. Mumbai, Jun 25 (PTI) Deep tech startup BonV Aero on Wednesday said the Indian Army deployed its Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) drone to support rescue operations following the landslide in Lachen, Sikkim, early this month. Within 24 hours of the incident, the Army mobilised the system to operate in Lachen, approximately 123 km from Gangtok, it said. Using GPR, the drone conducted aerial surveys over unstable terrain, identifying two sub-surface anomalies at depths of 0.76 metres and 0.015 metres, BonV Aero said. These findings were later confirmed through excavation, which revealed human remains at both locations, it said, adding that this allowed the rescue teams to avoid broad manual digging, focusing efforts precisely where required. 'The Army's timely decision to use our platform enabled focused rescue efforts. The response in Lachen indicates that solutions built in one part of the country can address needs elsewhere at the right moment,' BonV Aero CEO Satyabarata Satapathy said. The drone also transmitted the collected data to a digital map in real-time, helping ground teams align their movements with the sub-surface insights, the company said. This integration of aerial and data intelligence supported accurate on-site coordination. 'In difficult terrain where conventional tools like thermal cameras or canine units face limitations, the UAV collected data without direct contact, minimising risk', BonV Aero CTO Abinash Sahoo. PTI IAS BAL BAL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
New Indian Express
25-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Three held for cheating investors of crores in separate fraud cases in Odisha
CUTTACK: The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has arrested three persons in two separate cases for their alleged involvement in duping crores of rupees from investors through investment fraud. While 48-year-old Ganesh K Setty, a native of Bengaluru, was arrested for his alleged involvement in duping a retired CRPF officer of over Rs 1.03 crore, the other two Swapnil Goraksha Dhokale and Azaz Shafiq Shaikh, belonging to Maharashtra, were held on charges of cheating a Bhubaneswar-based doctor of over Rs 6.04 crore. In the first case, the victim, a retired Bhubaneswar-based CRPF officer, had lodged a complaint in April last year alleging some fraudsters had persuaded him to invest in IPO and OTC trading on the promise of being provided higher returns. The complainant reportedly transferred around Rs 1.03 crore but when he attempted to withdraw the money, the accused allegedly demanded more money to release his investment sum. Basing on his complaint, the Crime Branch team analysed the transaction details and digital evidences and eventually nabbed Setty from Bengaluru. He was brought on transit remand to Cuttack on Tuesday. Meanwhile, police began investigation into the second case after receiving complaint from the victim doctor. He alleged some unknown persons lured him to invest in IPO and OTC trading on the pretext of receiving lucrative returns and he transferred over Rs 6.04 crore in multiple phases. The accused were nabbed and brought on transit remand to Cuttack. They were produced in the SDJM Court in Bhubaneswar.
New Indian Express
22-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Sambalpur begins Rs 55 crore water pipeline upgrade
SAMBALPUR: After years of recurring waterborne disease outbreaks and mounting public pressure, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) is set to begin major infrastructure upgrade to replace 55 kilometres of outdated and damaged drinking water supply pipelines across the city. This massive project, awarded to Bhubaneswar-based Shivjyoti Conpro Pvt Ltd, will be completed within 18 months at an estimated cost of Rs 55 crore. The most critically damaged pipelines will be replaced in the first phase within six months. This step comes after five jaundice outbreaks since 2014, with the most recent occurring after Sital Sasthi last year, affecting over 150 people. The outbreaks were linked to contaminated water supply caused by pipelines running through open drains, allowing sewage to seep into drinking water lines. In 2014, the then chief minister Naveen Patnaik had announced a complete overhaul of the system, but only partial work was carried out in selected areas, leaving the system vulnerable for nearly a decade. General manager, WATCO, Brahmeshwar Das said, 'The project will be executed at an estimated cost of Rs 55 crore. In the initial phase, pipelines in the worst condition will be replaced within six months. The overall target is to complete the entire 55-kilometre stretch within 18 months.' WATCO officials said the project will also expand water supply to under-served areas like Balaji colony and Marutivihar with 18,000 new household connections planned, while 8,000 is to be done in first phase. Additionally, two new treatment plants with a combined capacity of 100 MLD are proposed at Ainthapali (65 MLD) and near Sambalpur University (35 MLD). City health officials say diarrhoea, jaundice, and hepatitis remain endemic in parts of Sambalpur during monsoon. The project is expected to significantly reduce the city's vulnerability to waterborne diseases and improve health outcomes for thousands of residents.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
HC rejects plea by IAS officer, kin seeking quashing of CBI probe into graft charge
1 2 Cuttack : The Orissa high court on Friday dismissed a writ petition filed by senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi, his wife and daughter seeking to quash a CBI investigation into alleged corruption. The court ruled that the petition was "premature and not maintainable", as the investigation was still at a nascent stage. The case stems from the arrest of a PSU executive on Dec 8 last year for allegedly accepting a Rs 10 lakh bribe from a Bhubaneswar-based real estate firm. During interrogation, Sethi's name emerged, prompting a CBI search at his residence on Feb 18 this year. The petitioners alleged procedural violations and harassment, and sought the return of seized materials. Justice S K Panigrahi, however, rejected these claims, emphasising that the extraordinary writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of Constitution cannot be misused to derail legitimate investigations. "Higher the office, greater the responsibility," he observed, noting that Sethi, as a senior bureaucrat, is expected to uphold legal integrity, not evade scrutiny. The court stressed that no chargesheet had been filed yet, and interference at this point would undermine both investigative processes and public interest. It criticised the petitioners' approach as "forum-shopping" and warned against setting a precedent that powerful individuals can shield themselves from legal accountability. The court clarified that its refusal to intervene does not equate to a presumption of guilt, and the petitioners retain full rights to defend themselves during trial. However, it maintained that mere status or reputation cannot justify halting a probe into serious allegations of public corruption. On Feb 25, Justice Panigrahi had ordered, "As an interim measure, it is directed that no coercive action shall be taken against the petitioners till the next date." The interim restriction was extended from time to time and was in force till the petition was dismissed on Friday.
New Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
DPRs submitted for comprehensive drainage system in Sambalpur city
SAMBALPUR: In a bid to mitigate the persistent waterlogging woes of people residing in low-lying areas of the city, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has submitted a series of detailed project reports (DPRs) for a comprehensive drainage system which is awaiting final approval from the Housing and Urban Development department. The proposed drainage project involves preparation of a master plan and DPRs by Bhubaneswar-based Ecometrix Consultants Pvt Ltd at an estimated cost of Rs 2.46 crore. The project aims to provide a long-term solution to the city's recurring flooding and drainage woes, especially in low-lying wards. SMC commissioner Vedbhushan said a total of six DPRs have been forwarded to H&UD department so far. 'The department has shared its observations, basing on which we've revised the DPRs. The updated reports will be submitted by the end of this week. Once approved, the tendering process will begin.' The master plan envisages a robust storm water drainage system to mitigate floods, waterlogging and urban inundation. Key watercourses identified for development include Malti Jore, Harad Jore, Dhobi Jore, Tangara nullah, Mandalia nullah, Power Channel, and all primary, secondary and tertiary drains across the 41 municipal wards of Sambalpur city. As part of its groundwork, the Bhubaneswar-based agency conducted DGPS survey covering 353 sq km across all 41 wards - home to around 3.5 lakh residents. Ward-level feedback meetings were also held to map existing drainage bottlenecks and problems. While the implementation of the master plan will take time, the SMC is ramping up short-term measures to handle waterlogging issues in the current monsoon season. 'Missing drains are being constructed and narrow ones widened. Major drains have been desilted to ensure uninterrupted water flow. The situation will be better this year,' the commissioner added. Currently, localities like Sakhipara, Chandan Nagar, Charbhati, Mandalia, Binakhandi, Balibandha, Govindtola, Hirakud Colony, Housing Board Colony, Modipara and Kumbharpara - all situated in low-lying zones - suffer the most due to outdated and undersized drainage channels. Besides, the localities near Mahanadi river often grapple with flood-like situations caused by backwater from the dam. The new drainage system is expected to resolve these issues that have persisted for over two decades.
