Archives March 2026

business

Secure Code Warrior Launches Trust Agent: AI to Enable Safe, Scalable AI-Driven Development

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Business Wire India

Secure Code Warrior today announced SCW Trust Agent: AI, the industry’s first governance solution designed to make AI influence in software development visible, attributable, and enforceable at the point of commit — enabling enterprises to scale AI coding tools with measurable control over software risk. For the first time, organizations can trace which AI models influenced specific commits, correlate that influence to vulnerability exposure, and take corrective action before insecure code reaches production.

 

AI-driven development is no longer experimental — it is embedded in daily workflows. According to Sonar’s 2026 State of Code Developer Survey, 72% of developers report using AI coding tools in their development processes every day.1 Yet most enterprises lack visibility into how those tools influence production code — creating governance blind spots as development velocity accelerates. According to Gartner, by the end of this year, at least 80% of unauthorized AI transactions will result from internal policy violations rather than malicious attacks — underscoring the need for enforceable oversight inside development environments.2

 

 

Secure Code Warrior is defining AI software governance with SCW Trust Agent: AI. By embedding commit-level visibility and enforceable oversight into development workflows, the platform enables organizations to scale AI-driven development with measurable control over software risk while reinforcing secure coding behavior across both human and AI–generated code.

 

 

“SCW Trust Agent: AI provides organizations the quantitative pathway to effectively measure the risk posture of their development environment in the AI era, whether the contributing ‘developer’ is human or AI,” said Pieter Danhieux, co-founder and CEO, Secure Code Warrior. “Beginning with comprehensive observability and traceability of AI-generated coding, MCP and AI tool usage, SCW Trust Agent: AI creates a foundation for more effective, adaptive learning that hones in with precision on the most relevant areas and fundamentally changes behavior among development teams, offsetting the introduction of AI-enabled vulnerabilities over time.”

 

 

SCW Trust Agent: AI moves organizations beyond passive visibility into active, operational governance by connecting:

 

 

  • AI Usage Visibility: Maintain a verifiable record of which LLMs — including sanctioned and “Shadow AI” models — influenced specific commits, supporting governance and audit requirements without storing source code or prompts.
  • Proprietary LLM Security Benchmarking: Leverage Secure Code Warrior’s LLM security benchmark data to evaluate models and enforce approved AI usage policies based on measurable security performance.
  • MCP Discovery and Supply Chain Insight: Track which Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers are installed and active to prevent AI agents from accessing sensitive internal tools or databases through unvetted or risky connections.
  • Commit-Level Risk Correlation and Enforcement: Correlate developers’ skill sets (as measured by SCW Trust Score®) and their AI usage with vulnerability benchmarks to identify the risk level, and enforce policy before code reaches production.
  • Adaptive Learning for the AI Era: Mitigate risk by correlating AI-generated code and contributor secure coding skill to automatically deliver the most relevant training to developers and more effectively build secure coding proficiency.

 

 

SCW Trust Agent: AI is available today to Secure Code Warrior customers. For more information on SCW Trust Agent: AI visit https://www.securecodewarrior.com/product/trust-agent-ai.

 

About Secure Code Warrior

 

 

Secure Code Warrior is a leader in AI software governance and developer security upskilling, enabling enterprises to control AI-driven software development across the SDLC. Built on a decade as the leading secure coding training platform, it delivers AI visibility, policy enforcement, and hands-on learning to prevent vulnerabilities and uplift software quality before production.

 

 

[1]Sonar State of Code Developer Survey, 6, January 2026

 

 

[2]Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2026: AI Security Platforms. 18, October 2025By Dennis Xu, Marissa Schmidt, Bart Willemsen, Gene Alvarez, Neil MacDonald, Kevin Schmidt

 

 

 

 

 

business

The Woolmark Company Unveils ‘Wool Futures’ Concept for Next-Generation Sustainable Workwear

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Mumbai, Mar 18: The Woolmark Company has launched the latest edition of its forward-thinking initiative, Wool Futures, spotlighting the evolution of performance workwear and outerwear designed for modern outdoor professionals.

The new concept is led by Woolmark ambassador and renowned explorer Mike Horn, and explores how apparel can adapt to the needs of individuals working in challenging environments such as renewable energy sites, infrastructure projects, regenerative agriculture, and field research.

Redefining Functional and Sustainable Workwear
Built on insights from Woolmark’s Workwear Toolkit, the concept emphasizes practicality, adaptability, and sustainability, moving away from overly technical designs toward clothing rooted in real-world functionality.

“Workwear should feel credible, not costume-like, grounded in the real needs of people who work outside,” said Horn.

At the heart of the concept is the idea of “natural intelligence” clothing—garments that intuitively respond to environmental conditions, movement, and climate without heavy reliance on synthetic materials.

Modular Wool-Based Layering System
The concept introduces a modular layering system designed to perform across varying conditions:

  • Merino wool base layers for thermoregulation and breathability

  • Insulating mid-layers for adaptable warmth

  • Durable outer shells engineered to resist wind, rain, and abrasion

Select designs incorporate Woolmark Optim technology, enhancing durability and weather protection while reducing dependence on chemicals and synthetic fibres.

Designed for the Workforce of the Future
The collection targets professionals contributing to environmental resilience and infrastructure development, including energy technicians, conservation rangers, field researchers, and outdoor maintenance teams.

By combining performance, sustainability, and intelligent design, the initiative highlights wool’s natural benefits, including low microplastic impact and high adaptability.

A Blueprint for Future Apparel
The latest edition of Wool Futures positions itself as a blueprint for the future of workwear—where innovation meets environmental responsibility and user-centric design.

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news

New Amrit Bharat Trains to Boost Odisha’s Connectivity and Economic Growth

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Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Tuesday that the newly approved Amrit Bharat Express trains will significantly enhance rail connectivity across Odisha, linking the state more closely with key cities in Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Assam.

The first train, running between Podanur in Tamil Nadu and Dhanbad in Jharkhand, will make scheduled stops at Rayagada, Muniguda, Kesinga, Titlagarh, Bolangir, Bargarh Road, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and Rourkela. This service will directly benefit seven districts in southern and western Odisha, including the historically underserved KBK (Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput) region.

“This train will not only improve convenience for passengers but also strengthen economic and social links between Odisha and industrial hubs like Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Salem, Ranchi, Bokaro, and Dhanbad,” Majhi said in a social media post, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the approval.

The second Amrit Bharat Express, operating between Kamakhya in Assam and Charlapalli in Andhra Pradesh, will pass through several districts in Odisha, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack, Khordha, and Ganjam. It will also stop at Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. This route aims to enhance connectivity between Odisha, Northeast India, and the southern states, providing better travel options for students, workers, traders, and tourists. The train departs from Kamakhya every Sunday and from Charlapalli every Wednesday.

Both trains feature modern LHB coaches designed for long-distance travel with improved comfort and safety. Passengers in general and sleeper classes will benefit from upgraded seating, ample luggage space, and enhanced onboard facilities, making travel more comfortable and affordable.

Officials from the East Coast Railway (ECoR) highlighted that these new services will boost mobility, promote tourism and pilgrimage, and support local economies by connecting people and regions more efficiently.

The introduction of the Amrit Bharat Express trains demonstrates a continued effort by the central government to strengthen Odisha’s railway infrastructure and accelerate regional development, bringing convenience, opportunities, and a modern travel experience to residents of the state.

technology

Sheepdogs Reveal a Better Way to Guide Robot Swarms

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Mar 18: Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have uncovered new insights into how unpredictable group behavior—observed in sheepdog trials—can be leveraged to improve the coordination of robotic swarms, autonomous systems, and AI-driven networks.

Published as a cover feature in Science Advances, the study demonstrates how strategies used by sheepdog handlers and trained dogs to guide flocks can inform more efficient control of systems operating under uncertain and noisy conditions.

Understanding Group Behavior Under Uncertainty

“Birds, bugs, fish, sheep, and many other organisms move in groups because it benefits individuals,” said Saad Bhamla, associate professor at Georgia Tech. “But the challenge is that these groups are made up of individuals making local, imperfect decisions.”

The research team analyzed hours of sheepdog trial footage, discovering that smaller groups of sheep are often harder to control than larger ones, due to constant switching between two instincts: following the group and fleeing perceived threats.

“This switching behavior makes the group unpredictable,” said Tuhin Chakrabortty, co-lead author of the study.

A Two-Step Strategy for Effective Control
The study identified a consistent two-step herding strategy:

  1. Subtle alignment of the group’s orientation while movement is minimal

  2. Timely increase in pressure to trigger coordinated motion

Researchers found that timing is critical, as alignment within small groups can quickly dissolve due to internal behavioral “noise.”

From Sheep Herding to Swarm Intelligence
To extend these findings, the team developed computational models simulating how sheep respond to both external pressure and peer interactions. These models were then applied to robotic swarm simulations.

Traditional swarm systems often rely on averaging signals from multiple sources, which can fail when information is noisy or conflicting. The Georgia Tech team discovered that a different approach—focusing on one signal at a time and dynamically switching sources—can outperform conventional methods.

“Under noisy conditions, averaging can dilute the correct signal,” Bhamla explained. “But switching attention between sources allows accurate information to spread more effectively.”

Introducing the ‘Indecisive Swarm Algorithm’
The researchers developed a novel framework called the Indecisive Swarm Algorithm, which allows influence to shift dynamically among individuals in a system.

Key advantages include:

  • Improved coordination in uncertain environments

  • Reduced effort required to guide group movement

  • Greater adaptability compared to fixed leader-follower models

This counterintuitive approach shows that controlled unpredictability can enhance system performance, rather than hinder it.

Broad Applications Across Industries
The findings have potential applications in:

  • Autonomous vehicles and traffic systems

  • Drone and robotic swarm coordination

  • Distributed AI agents

  • Complex networked systems

“Our findings suggest that the same dynamics that make small animal groups unpredictable may also offer new ways to control complex engineered systems,” Bhamla added.

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business

Toshiba Releases Photovoltaic-Output Photocoupler for Automotive Equipment

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Business Wire India

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (“Toshiba”) has launched a photovoltaic-output photocoupler, “TLX9920”, in a thin, long-creepage-distance SO6L package, for solid state relays (SSR)[1] in automotive equipment. Volume shipments start today.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260317428805/en/

Toshiba: TLX9920, a photovoltaic-output photocoupler in a thin, long-creepage-distance SO6L package for SSR in automotive equipment.

Toshiba: TLX9920, a photovoltaic-output photocoupler in a thin, long-creepage-distance SO6L package for SSR in automotive equipment.

Demand is growing for automotive equipment relay units with a longer life, a trend that has led to increased use of SSR instead of mechanical relays. As automotive systems continue to evolve, the shift to SSR is expected to accelerate further.

 

TLX9920 is suitable for use as a gate driver for the high-voltage power MOSFET used in SSR. Combined with a high-voltage power MOSFET, it can achieve high-voltage and high-current switching that is difficult with photorelays. As SSR have no physical contacts, unlike mechanical relays, contact wear and the need for regular maintenance are eliminated. TLX9920 also complies with AEC-Q101, the automotive electronic component reliability standard.

 

It is housed in an SO6L package with a creepage distance of over 8mm, which realizes high isolation voltage (BVs=5000Vrms). For example, the IEC 60664-12[2] international standard requires a creepage distance of 5.6mm or more for application in environments with pollution degree 2 and an operating voltage of 400V or more. TLX9920 meets this requirement.

 

TLX9920 is suitable for application in high-voltage systems and harsh environmental conditions. It can be used in a wide range of switching applications in automotive equipment, energy storage systems (ESS) and industrial power equipment.

 

Toshiba will continue to contribute to building a safe and sustainable society by developing products for automotive and industrial equipment that enhance reliability and advance technological innovation.

 

Notes:

[1]

Semiconductor relays that are used to control high-power loads (heating elements, motors) with low-voltage signals. The primary (control) side and the secondary (switching) side are electrically isolated by an isolation barrier, which allows switching of circuits directly connected to AC lines, or switching between devices with different ground potentials.

[2]

The standard that specifies principles, requirements, and test methods for insulation coordination for systems up to AC 1000V or DC 1500V.

 

Applications

 

  • Automotive equipment: Battery management systems (BMS), onboard chargers, inverters, etc.
  • Industrial equipment: Energy storage systems (ESS)

 

Features

 

  • Thin and long creepage package: SO6L (3.84×10.0×2.1 (mm))
  • Long creepage distance: 8mm (min)
  • High isolation voltage: BVS＝5000Vrms (min)
  • Open voltage: VOC＝13.5V (min)
  • Short-circuit current: ISC＝8μA (min)
  • AEC-Q101 qualified

 

Main Specifications

 

(Unless otherwise specified, Ta=25℃)

Part Number

TLX9920

Discharge circuit

Integrated

Absolute
maximum ratings

Operating temperature Topr (°C)

-40 to 125

Electrical
characteristics

Input forward voltage VF (V)

IF=10mA

Min

1.5

Typ.

1.65

Max

1.8

Coupled electrical
characteristics

Open voltage VOC (V)

IF=10mA

Min

13.5

Short-circuit current ISC (μA)

IF=10mA

Min

8

Trigger LED current IFT (mA)

Max

3

Switching
characteristics

Turn-on time ton (ms)

Typ.

0.6

Max

1.0

Turn-off time toff (ms)

Typ.

0.1

Max

1.0

Isolation
characteristics

Isolation voltage BVS (Vrms)

Min

5000

Clearance distance (mm)

Min

8

Creepage distance (mm)

Min

8

Package

Name

SO6L

Size (mm)

Typ.

3.84×10.0×2.1

Sample Check & Availability

Buy Online

 

Follow the link below for more on the new product.
TLX9920

 

Follow the link below for more on Toshiba’s isolators and solid state relays.
Isolators/Solid State Relays

 

To check availability of the new products at online distributors, visit:
TLX9920
Buy Online

 

* Company names, product names, and service names may be trademarks of their respective companies.
* Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

 

About Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation

 

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation, a leading supplier of advanced semiconductor and storage solutions, draws on over half a century of experience and innovation to offer customers and business partners outstanding discrete semiconductors, system LSIs and HDD products.

 

Its 17,000 employees around the world share a determination to maximize product value, and to promote close collaboration with customers in the co-creation of value and new markets. The company looks forward to building and to contributing to a better future for people everywhere.

 

Find out more at https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/top.html

 

 

business

No. 1 Live Seller Kim Gravel Launches Selling with Soul, Her Secret Playbook Behind $1B in Live Sales – and How to Master It

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Kim-Red

Credit: Sylvia Lee

 

LOS ANGELES, CA — March 18:

Kim Gravel, a Southern girl-next-door with no degree and no outside funding, cracked the code of live selling, generating over $1.4 billion in real-time sales and selling nearly 29.5 million units across The Kim Gravel Brand (Belle by Kim Gravel and Love Who You Are (LWYA)).

In a bold move that cemented her as a leading innovator in modern commerce, America’s top live seller, bestselling author, and entrepreneur, Gravel launched Selling With Soul, an eight-module digital course sharing the exact strategies behind her record-breaking success. The course launched on March 17, 2026, in conjunction with International Women’s Month.

As TikTok Shop, Amazon Live, and social commerce continue to rapidly reshape how consumers discover and buy products, live selling has emerged as one of the fastest-growing drivers of conversion in retail. However, as more creators and brands rush into the space without a clear strategy, audiences are growing increasingly skeptical of inauthentic influencer sales, and brands are struggling to build lasting trust and loyalty. Recognizing this gap, Gravel launched Selling With Soul, providing a roadmap to sell authentically and effectively.

Gravel’s live-selling achievements speak for themselves. On QVC, her highest-selling day came on March 5, 2023, with nearly $10.5 million in sales and 212,000 units sold, including $8.8 million from her Belle by Kim Gravel fashion line alone. In 2025, she headlined the first-ever KIM-A-THON, generating over $5.7 million in sales across 14 hours of programming. That year also featured back-to-back live audience shows with the highest live audience achievement rate of 2025, highlighting Gravel’s ability to engage viewers in real time across QVC’s platforms.

“Selling With Soul is built on the belief that live selling is a conversation, not a performance,” said Gravel. “When you focus on genuine connection and create a space where people feel valued, the audience responds, and the business grows in an authentic, sustainable way.”

Gravel’s story is as unconventional as it is inspiring. She spent a decade as a stay-at-home mom before building her business entirely on her own terms, proving that authenticity, consistency, and connection are the real currency of today’s digital economy. She is also the bestselling author of Collecting Confidence, the author of the children’s book Maribelle and the Manger, and the host of a top-ranked podcast. Selling With Soul is her first-ever course, designed to teach entrepreneurs, creators, and brands how to turn live selling into a human-centered, revenue-driving experience.

Who the Course is For:

  • Entrepreneurs and creators ready to turn authenticity into profit

  • Brands looking to build loyalty, trust, and community, not just clicks

  • Anyone ready to step on camera with confidence and connect in real time

  • Individuals who want to turn personality, presence, or purpose into impact and income

What Participants Will Learn:

  • How to build emotional trust that drives long-term loyalty

  • Mindset and presence techniques to show up authentically on camera

  • Storytelling methods that turn real-life experiences into revenue-driving moments

  • Step-by-step guidance on presenting live, engaging audiences, and building a loyal community

  • The exact messaging formula Kim uses on QVC, Amazon Live, and TikTok Shop

  • How to scale ethically, turning individual live moments into movements and superfans

As live selling continues to define the future of e-commerce, Gravel stands at the forefront, showing that real success is accessible to anyone willing to build trust, show up, and connect. Selling With Soul is more than a course—it is a blueprint for the next generation of entrepreneurs who want to thrive in today’s digital economy.

business

Australia, Odisha Talks Focus on Clean Energy, Agriculture and Skill Development

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In a step toward strengthening international cooperation, Bernard Lynch met Odisha Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo at Lok Seva Bhawan to explore partnerships in renewable energy, agriculture, and technological innovation.

Australia, Odisha Talks Focus on Clean Energy, Agriculture and Skill Development

Pic Credit: Pexel

During the discussion, Lynch appreciated Odisha’s strong performance in both energy and agriculture, noting that the state has surpassed national growth trends in the farming sector. He also highlighted the state’s progress in modernising its power infrastructure, which has enhanced electricity generation and transmission capabilities.

Responding to this, Singh Deo outlined the government’s recent initiatives to expand renewable energy production and promote clean energy adoption. He emphasised that supportive policies are being implemented to better utilise natural resources and accelerate sustainable development.

The talks also underlined Odisha’s agricultural achievements, with record production levels contributing to rising farmer incomes. Both sides expressed confidence that closer collaboration between Australia and Odisha would open new opportunities in clean energy, agriculture, and technology.

In a separate meeting, Lynch held discussions with Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, focusing on boosting industrial investment, skill development, and technical education. The engagement signals growing international interest in Odisha’s development trajectory and its potential as a hub for innovation and skilled workforce growth.

 
 
news

Odisha Speeds Up City Gas Expansion to Boost Energy Security

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Odisha Speeds Up City Gas Expansion to Boost Energy Security

Pic Credit: Pexel

Amid growing uncertainty in global fuel markets, the Odisha government has stepped up efforts to build a robust and future-ready energy infrastructure by fast-tracking the expansion of city gas distribution (CGD) networks across the state. The initiative is aimed at improving energy security while promoting cleaner fuel alternatives for households, industries, and transportation.

The strategy was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhawan. Senior officials, including Hemant Sharma and Usha Padhee, participated in the discussions alongside representatives from leading energy companies such as GAIL, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Adani Total Gas.

A key focus of the meeting was identifying and eliminating bottlenecks that have slowed the rollout of gas infrastructure projects. Delays in approvals for pipeline installation, coordination challenges among departments, and procedural inefficiencies were highlighted as major hurdles. In response, the government has introduced a time-bound clearance mechanism, directing municipal corporations and relevant departments to approve all pending pipeline-laying permissions within 24 hours. This step is expected to significantly accelerate project execution on the ground.

The expansion of CGD networks is central to Odisha’s broader push toward sustainable and diversified energy use. By promoting Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for domestic and commercial use, the government aims to provide a safer, more convenient alternative to traditional cooking fuels like LPG. At the same time, increased availability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is expected to support cleaner mobility solutions, particularly in urban transport systems.

Officials believe that strengthening last-mile connectivity will play a crucial role in ensuring widespread adoption of these alternatives. Efforts are being made to extend the gas pipeline network deeper into cities and emerging urban clusters, making clean energy accessible to a larger population. This expansion is also expected to benefit small and medium enterprises by providing a reliable and cost-effective fuel source.

The government has set an ambitious deadline of June 30 to achieve key milestones in infrastructure development. This sense of urgency reflects a proactive approach to reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels and insulating the state from external supply shocks. It also aligns with national goals of increasing the share of natural gas in the overall energy mix.

Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative is likely to generate economic opportunities. Infrastructure development, network maintenance, and increased industrial activity linked to gas availability are expected to create jobs and stimulate local economies. Moreover, improved energy access can enhance the ease of doing business, making Odisha a more attractive destination for investment.

Overall, the accelerated rollout of city gas infrastructure marks a significant step in Odisha’s transition toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future. By combining policy support, administrative efficiency, and industry collaboration, the state is positioning itself to meet rising energy demands while prioritizing sustainability and long-term growth.

 
 
news

Nita M. Ambani Honoured at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences with 2025 Humanitarian Award

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In a moment that celebrated compassion, leadership, and social commitment, Nita M. Ambani was honoured with the prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 at the campus of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in Bhubaneswar.

The award recognises her extensive contribution to social development through the Reliance Foundation, where her initiatives have touched millions of lives across India. Her work spans critical sectors such as education, healthcare, rural transformation, women’s empowerment, and sports development—areas that directly impact communities at the grassroots level.

The honour was presented by Mohan Munasinghe in the presence of Achyuta Samanta, whose institutions have long been associated with inclusive education and tribal empowerment.

More than just an award ceremony, the event reflected a shared vision of building a more equitable society. Speaking on the occasion, Ambani’s recognition symbolised not only her leadership but also the collective efforts of countless individuals working under her foundation to bring meaningful change.

Over the years, her initiatives have focused on uplifting underserved communities—providing access to quality education, improving healthcare delivery in rural areas, supporting women to become self-reliant, and nurturing young sporting talent across the country. Her approach combines scale with empathy, ensuring that development is both impactful and inclusive.

The KISS Humanitarian Award is regarded as a tribute to individuals who dedicate their lives to social progress, and this year’s recognition of Nita Ambani underscores the growing importance of corporate-led philanthropy in shaping India’s development journey.

As the ceremony concluded, the message was clear: meaningful change is possible when vision meets action, and when influence is used to uplift those who need it most.

business

Major Industrial Investments Approved in Odisha, Boosting Jobs and Regional Growth

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Odisha Clears ₹4,510 Crore Industrial Push to Drive Jobs, Regional Development, and Sectoral Growth

Major Industrial Investments Approved in Odisha, Boosting Jobs and Regional Growth

Pic Credit: Pexel

In a significant move to accelerate industrialization and create large-scale employment, the Odisha government has approved a diverse portfolio of investment projects across the state. The proposals, cleared at the latest meeting of the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority, represent a combined investment of ₹4,510 crore and are expected to generate over 10,000 jobs in 11 districts.

At the forefront of this industrial expansion is Century Plyboards (India) Ltd, which plans to establish a major plywood manufacturing facility in Koraput district. With an investment of ₹870.82 crore, the project is poised to strengthen the wood-based manufacturing ecosystem while also creating employment opportunities in one of the state’s relatively underdeveloped regions.

Complementing this, Pidilite Industries will set up a tile adhesive manufacturing unit in Balasore. Known for its leadership in construction chemicals and adhesives, the company’s investment is expected to support the growing infrastructure and housing demand in eastern India.

In the services and technology domain, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is set to establish a technology center in Khordha with an investment of ₹60 crore. This project highlights Odisha’s emerging position as a destination for knowledge-based industries and is likely to generate high-skilled employment opportunities.

The approved projects reflect a deliberate strategy by the state government to ensure balanced regional development. Districts such as Koraput, Kalahandi, and Balangir—traditionally considered economically lagging—have received focused attention in this round of approvals. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision to distribute industrial growth more evenly across the state.

Beyond these headline investments, the approvals span a wide range of sectors. In textiles, new ventures in weaving and technical fabrics are expected to boost manufacturing capabilities. The pharmaceuticals and medical devices sector will see fresh investments aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and production capacity.

The metals and mining sector continues to attract strong interest, with multiple projects in steel and aluminum processing lined up in districts like Cuttack, Sundargarh, and Keonjhar. Meanwhile, green energy initiatives and chemical manufacturing projects, including a sulphuric acid plant and ethanol production unit, signal a push toward both industrial sustainability and value-added production.

Infrastructure development also forms a key part of the investment landscape. A logistics park in Sambalpur will enhance supply chain efficiency, while several new hospitality projects—including star-category hotels in Koraput, Bolangir, Bhubaneswar, and Puri—are expected to boost tourism and related services.

Overall, the latest round of approvals underscores Odisha’s growing attractiveness as an investment destination. With a mix of manufacturing, services, and infrastructure projects, the state is positioning itself for long-term economic resilience. By combining large-scale investments with a focus on regional inclusivity and employment generation, Odisha is taking a decisive step toward becoming a more balanced and industrially robust economy.