In a significant move aimed at strengthening passenger protection, the Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to extend travel insurance coverage to tickets purchased at railway reservation counters from October 27, 2026. The directive will bring passengers purchasing tickets offline under the same insurance framework currently available to those booking tickets online.

The court has warned that the Railway Board will be held directly responsible if the order is not implemented within the stipulated deadline.

A bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan issued the direction while hearing a petition concerning railway safety following the tragic Balasore train accident in Odisha in June 2023. The matter also raised concerns over the implementation of safety measures across the railway network.

According to reports, the court noted that passengers booking tickets online can currently opt for travel insurance by paying a nominal additional premium, while passengers purchasing tickets at railway reservation counters do not have access to the same facility.

The bench observed that sufficient time had already been given to the authorities to develop a mechanism for extending insurance coverage to offline ticket buyers. However, the lack of progress prompted the court to issue a mandatory direction.

When Will the Insurance Facility Begin?

Under the Supreme Court’s directive, Indian Railways must ensure that all tickets sold over the counter at railway stations are covered by insurance from October 27.

The move is intended to ensure equal access to travel insurance, particularly for passengers who rely on physical reservation counters instead of digital booking platforms.

However, passengers will need to wait for further official clarification regarding the applicable insurance premium, coverage amount, eligibility conditions and claims procedure for counter-purchased tickets.

What Benefits Will Passengers Receive?

Travel insurance can provide financial protection in the event of specified railway accidents, including death or injuries, subject to the applicable policy terms and conditions.

By extending the facility to offline bookings, the directive seeks to remove the disparity between online and counter-based ticket purchases.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter again on November 16, 2026, when further developments concerning railway safety and compliance with its directions are expected to be reviewed.

Passengers are advised to follow official Indian Railways announcements for details of the insurance scheme before making assumptions about premiums, coverage limits or claim procedures.

The order marks an important step towards ensuring that railway passengers have more equal access to financial protection during their journeys.

The post Supreme Court Orders Insurance Cover for Railway Counter Tickets from October 27 appeared first on Odisha Connect.

With the festive season underway, bank customers should plan their financial transactions carefully as several bank holidays are scheduled across different parts of India during the second half of October 2026. Banks will remain closed on various dates between October 15 and October 30 due to festivals, regional observances and regular weekly holidays.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) publishes the official bank holiday calendar, which varies from state to state depending on local festivals and celebrations. Customers planning to deposit cheques, issue demand drafts, complete loan formalities or undertake other branch-related transactions are advised to check the holiday schedule before visiting their respective banks.

Complete List of Bank Holidays in October 2026

According to the holiday schedule provided, banks will remain closed on the following dates in selected locations:

• October 17 (Saturday): Banks will remain closed in Agartala on account of Maha Saptami. Banks in most other locations are expected to remain open, as it is the third Saturday of the month.
• October 18 (Sunday): Banks will remain closed across the country due to the regular weekly holiday.
• October 19 (Monday): Banks will remain closed in Agartala, Aizawl, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Guwahati, Imphal, Itanagar, Kohima, Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi and Shillong on account of Mahanavami or Ayudha Puja.
• October 20 (Tuesday): Banks will remain closed in most parts of the country for Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, subject to local holiday schedules.
• October 21 (Wednesday): Banks will remain closed in Agartala, Bengaluru, Gangtok, Guwahati, Kochi, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram for Durga Puja or Vijaya Dashami.
• October 22 and 23 (Thursday and Friday): Banks will remain closed in Gangtok, Sikkim, for Durga Puja-related celebrations.
• October 24 (Saturday): Banks will remain closed across India on account of the fourth Saturday of the month.
• October 25 (Sunday): Banks will remain closed due to the weekly holiday. Lakshmi Puja is also observed in several regions around this period.
• October 26 (Monday): Banks will remain closed in Agartala, Chandigarh, Jammu, Shimla and Srinagar on account of Lakshmi Puja or Valmiki Jayanti, as applicable.
• October 29 (Thursday): A local bank holiday for Karwa Chauth is scheduled in Shimla.

Customers should verify these dates against the official RBI holiday calendar, as holidays differ across states and cities.

Digital Banking Services to Remain Available

Despite the closure of bank branches on holidays, customers can continue to use most digital banking facilities.

Online banking, mobile banking, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and ATM services generally remain available on bank holidays, allowing customers to transfer money, check account balances and withdraw cash.

However, services requiring physical branch visits, including certain cheque-related transactions and documentation procedures, may be delayed until the next working day.

Customers are therefore advised to complete urgent banking work in advance and use digital payment facilities wherever possible during the festive period.

Checking the applicable holiday schedule before visiting a bank can help customers avoid unnecessary delays and plan their financial transactions more efficiently.

The post Bank Holidays in October 2026: Check Full List of Holidays Before Visiting Your Bank appeared first on Odisha Connect.

The Supreme Court has ruled that a person who converts from the Hindu social order to a non-Hindu religious social order cannot claim reservation benefits under the relevant backward class category if the conversion results in the loss of the status on which the claim is based. The court upheld the Madras High Court’s decision in a case concerning the recognition of certain Muslim communities as backward classes in Tamil Nadu.

A bench comprising Justice P.K. Mishra and Justice Chandrashekar heard the matter and upheld the High Court’s ruling, which had set aside the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to recognise seven Muslim communities under the relevant backward class category.

The Tamil Nadu government had challenged the High Court’s decision before the Supreme Court, seeking relief against the order that invalidated its recognition of these communities.

According to the ruling described in the case, individuals who move from the Hindu social order to a non-Hindu social order cannot automatically continue to claim reservation benefits based on their previous social status. Eligibility depends on the applicable legal provisions and the category under which reservation is sought.

The case has brought renewed attention to the legal framework governing backward class reservations and the impact of religious conversion on eligibility for affirmative action benefits.

Reservation policies in India are governed by constitutional provisions, statutory rules and relevant government notifications. The eligibility criteria may vary depending on the category and the specific legal framework applicable to a particular community.

The Supreme Court’s decision upholding the Madras High Court’s order is significant for Tamil Nadu’s backward class classification policy and the recognition of communities seeking reservation benefits.

The post Supreme Court Says Religious Conversion Can Affect Eligibility for Backward Class Reservation appeared first on Odisha Connect.

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has outlined provisions governing Provident Fund (PF) withdrawals for various financial needs, including education, marriage, medical treatment and housing. The guidelines explain the withdrawal limits and conditions applicable to different categories, helping employees understand when they can access their accumulated savings.

PF Withdrawal for Education and Marriage

According to the information provided, eligible PF members can withdraw money for education-related expenses up to 10 times during their membership period. The facility is intended to help members meet eligible educational expenses for themselves and qualifying family members.

For marriage-related expenses, members can withdraw PF advances up to five times during their membership period, subject to applicable eligibility conditions. The provision covers eligible marriage expenses involving the member and qualifying family members.

Medical Expenses and Emergency Withdrawals

PF advances can also be used to meet eligible medical expenses for the member or qualifying family members. The supplied information indicates that no specific numerical limit applies to the number of medical withdrawals. However, members must satisfy the relevant EPFO eligibility conditions and withdrawal limits.

PF Withdrawal for Housing

Eligible employees can access PF savings for housing-related purposes, including purchasing a house or flat, constructing a home, repaying a housing loan and carrying out permitted renovation work.

The information provided indicates that housing-related withdrawals are permitted up to five times during the membership period. Actual eligibility and withdrawal amounts depend on the applicable rules.

Special Circumstances and 75% Withdrawal Facility

The supplied information also refers to a limit of two withdrawals annually for certain special circumstances. Additionally, eligible members may be able to withdraw up to 75 per cent of their PF savings after 12 months, subject to the applicable provisions.

Employees should verify these limits through official EPFO notifications before applying, as eligibility requirements and withdrawal conditions may vary.

Understanding the rules can help employees meet urgent financial needs while protecting their long-term retirement savings.

The post EPFO PF Withdrawal Rules: Check Limits for Education, Marriage, Medical Emergencies and Housing appeared first on Odisha Connect.

As Durga Puja celebrations fill the country with festive spirit, a unique gold-themed pandal in Siliguri, West Bengal, has emerged as a major attraction for devotees. The pandal has drawn attention for its lavish decorations and the magnificent appearance of Goddess Durga, who is reportedly adorned with around 100 kilograms of gold jewellery.

Durga Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and is particularly popular in West Bengal, where thousands of pandals are designed around distinctive themes every year. This year, the gold-themed pandal in Siliguri has become a talking point among residents and devotees.

The pandal was inaugurated by Dr Jayanta Roy, BJP MP from Jalpaiguri, who formally opened the venue by cutting a ribbon. Following the inauguration, the deity was welcomed with traditional conch-shell blowing in the presence of a large gathering of devotees.

Goddess Durga Adorned with Gold Jewellery

The main attraction of the pandal is Goddess Durga, who is reportedly adorned with approximately 100 kilograms, or one quintal, of gold jewellery. The elaborate decorations give the deity’s shrine a grand and divine appearance, making it a distinctive attraction during this year’s festivities.

The entire pandal has been designed around a gold theme, with its entrance resembling an opulent golden palace. The elaborate architecture and decorative elements create the impression of entering a royal residence.

The dazzling setting, combined with the traditional worship of Goddess Durga, has added to the festive atmosphere and attracted devotees eager to witness the elaborate arrangements.

Devotees Gather to Witness the Spectacle

A large number of devotees have been visiting the pandal to admire its decorations and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. The combination of traditional religious observances and grand thematic design has made the venue a notable attraction during the festive season.

West Bengal is renowned for its creative Durga Puja pandals, which range from traditional structures to elaborate artistic installations inspired by different themes. The gold-themed pandal in Siliguri has added another distinctive attraction to this year’s celebrations.

With its palace-inspired entrance, elaborate decorations and the reported use of around 100 kilograms of gold jewellery to adorn the deity, the pandal has captured public attention and added a touch of grandeur to the Durga Puja festivities.

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Four people were killed in a landmine explosion in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), near the Line of Control (LoC) adjoining Jammu’s Poonch sector. The incident reportedly occurred when the victims were laying water pipes in a field in Mahandala village of Hajira tehsil in PoK’s Poonch district.

According to media reports, the explosion took place between 5 pm and 5:30 pm. The four men reportedly came into contact with an explosive device while carrying out the work.

Initial reports suggest that the landmine may have been laid as part of the anti-infiltration grid along the LoC. However, the circumstances surrounding the explosion have not been independently confirmed.

Four Victims Identified

The deceased have been identified as Faizan Sagir, Ishtiaq, Waqas and Aseem. According to reports, the four men were cousins.

Faizan Sagir was also described in reports as being associated with the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF).

The incident has raised concerns about the risks posed by landmines and unexploded explosives in areas close to the Line of Control, where security measures remain stringent.

Security Alert Along the LoC

Following the explosion, security forces reportedly heightened vigilance across the sector to prevent possible infiltration and monitor the border area.

In a separate incident on Monday, Indian Army personnel recovered two landmines near the border fence in the Basooni area of the Mendhar sector in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district.

Officials said the explosives were spotted during track construction work at around 8:25 am and 12:10 pm. Army specialists subsequently neutralised the devices through controlled explosions.

The two incidents have drawn attention to the continuing security challenges in the border areas of Poonch, where landmines and other explosive devices pose risks to both civilians and security personnel.

The post Four Killed in Landmine Explosion in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Near LoC appeared first on Odisha Connect.

In a major move to protect public health, the Uttarakhand government has imposed a one-year ban on gutkha, pan masala and other similar products containing tobacco or nicotine. The order was issued on October 13, 2026, by Vinay Shankar Pandey, Commissioner of the Food Safety and Drug Administration.

Under the order, the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of tobacco- and nicotine-containing products covered by the ban have been prohibited across all districts of Uttarakhand.

Ban Imposed to Protect Public Health

According to the government order, the decision has been taken under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.

The prohibition will remain in force for one year from the date of issuance of the order. The measure aims to strengthen public health protection and prevent the sale of food products containing prohibited substances.

Action Against Violations

The administration stated that although the use of tobacco and nicotine in food products is prohibited under the applicable food safety regulations, instances of their use in products such as gutkha and pan masala continue to come to light.

To address the issue, the state government has decided to enforce the restrictions more strictly and prevent the manufacture and sale of such products.

The ban will apply to the specified tobacco- or nicotine-containing food products regardless of the name or brand under which they are marketed. It covers the entire supply chain, from manufacturing and storage to distribution and retail sales.

With this decision, the Uttarakhand government aims to curb the availability of prohibited tobacco- and nicotine-containing products and safeguard public health across the state.

The post Uttarakhand Bans Tobacco and Nicotine-Based Gutkha for One Year appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Swedish luxury carmaker Volvo has launched its flagship electric SUV, the EX90, in the Indian market at an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 1.26 crore. The premium electric vehicle combines Scandinavian design, a luxurious cabin and advanced technology with a long driving range.

Bookings for the Volvo EX90 have commenced, while deliveries are scheduled to begin in January next year. The SUV has been introduced as Volvo’s flagship model in the electric vehicle segment and can be considered an all-electric alternative to the petrol and diesel-powered Volvo XC90.

Premium Design and Powerful Performance

The Volvo EX90 is built on the company’s dedicated SPA2 electric vehicle platform. It features Volvo’s signature Scandinavian design philosophy, with a focus on minimalist styling, premium materials and advanced technology.

In India, the electric SUV comes with a 106 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The powertrain produces up to 462 bhp and 670 Nm of torque, offering powerful performance alongside the comfort expected from a luxury SUV.

Up to 625 Km Range on a Single Charge

According to Volvo, the EX90 can cover up to 625 kilometres on a single charge. The company has also reported a driving distance of 724 kilometres during testing on Indian roads.

However, the actual driving range may vary depending on road conditions, weather, traffic and driving style.

With its claimed range, the EX90 is designed to support long-distance journeys. For instance, the distance between Bhubaneswar and Debrigarh is approximately 320 kilometres by road, depending on the route. A round trip could therefore approach the vehicle’s claimed range, although the actual distance covered will depend on driving conditions and route selection.

Fast Charging Technology

The Volvo EX90 supports both AC and DC charging. It comes with an 11 kW AC charger, which can charge the battery from zero to 100 per cent in approximately 11 hours under suitable conditions.

The SUV also supports ultra-fast DC charging. According to the company, the battery can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 22 minutes when connected to a compatible high-power charger.

With its premium features, long driving range and advanced charging capabilities, the Volvo EX90 aims to strengthen the company’s presence in India’s luxury electric SUV market.

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What happens to young recruits after completing four years of service in the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme? What career opportunities are available to those who are not selected for permanent service? These are some of the key questions surrounding the scheme, under which the government has introduced financial benefits and employment opportunities to support Agniveers after their tenure.

Agniveers completing four years of service are eligible for a Seva Nidhi package, skill certificates and access to various employment opportunities. The government has also introduced reservation provisions for former Agniveers in recruitment to certain posts in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles.

Seva Nidhi Package After Four Years

Under the Agnipath scheme, Agniveers who complete their four-year tenure receive a one-time Seva Nidhi package of approximately ₹10.04 lakh, according to the details provided.

The package includes the recruit’s contribution, an equal contribution from the government and applicable interest. The amount is exempt from income tax, providing financial support as former Agniveers transition to civilian life or pursue further employment opportunities.

Life Insurance Cover and Skill Certificates

During their service, Agniveers receive life insurance cover of ₹48 lakh. This financial protection is intended to provide security during their tenure in the armed forces.

After completing their service, they are also issued skill certificates recognising the training and competencies acquired during their military service. These qualifications can help them apply for jobs in the public and private sectors, where their discipline, technical knowledge and experience may be valuable.

Employment Opportunities in Central Security Forces

Former Agniveers can explore recruitment opportunities in the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Assam Rifles.

The provisions described for recruitment to Constable (General Duty) and Rifleman posts include reservation for former Agniveers. They are also eligible for age relaxation of up to three years, while the first batch receives an additional five-year relaxation.

The recruitment framework also provides exemptions from certain selection requirements, including the Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and written examination, subject to the applicable recruitment rules.

These measures are intended to help former Agniveers transition into other uniformed services after completing their military tenure.

State Government Jobs Offer Additional Opportunities

Several state governments have also announced employment-related benefits for former Agniveers in police forces and other government departments.

States including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have introduced or announced reservation provisions and age relaxations for former Agniveers in selected recruitment categories.

Depending on the state and the relevant recruitment rules, reservation in certain posts may range from 10% to 20%.

Such measures aim to provide former Agniveers with additional career pathways by recognising their military training, discipline and experience.

What Lies Ahead for Agniveers?

The Agnipath scheme allows a proportion of Agniveers to be selected for continued service in the regular cadre of the armed forces, subject to the applicable selection process and requirements. Those who are not retained must transition to civilian careers or pursue other employment opportunities.

The Seva Nidhi package, life insurance coverage during service, skill certification and recruitment opportunities in central and state government services are among the measures intended to support this transition.

However, reservation percentages, eligibility conditions, examination exemptions and age relaxations vary according to the recruiting organisation and the applicable rules. Candidates should check the latest official recruitment notifications before applying for any post.

The post What Happens After Four Years in the Agnipath Scheme? Know the Benefits and Job Opportunities appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Students in primary and upper primary schools across Uttar Pradesh will soon receive halwa and upma as supplementary nutritious food alongside their regular mid-day meals. The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1.8 lakh students across the state.

Under the government directive, the two food items will be served to students during school breaks to improve their nutritional intake and provide additional nourishment beyond the regular mid-day meal.

Weekly Schedule for Halwa and Upma

According to the prescribed schedule, halwa will be served during the first and third weeks of every month. Upma will be provided during the second, fourth and fifth weeks.

The meals will be prepared using semolina (suji) and other nutritional ingredients. At least 30 grams of semolina will be used per student for preparing both dishes.

The initiative aims to ensure that schoolchildren receive additional nutritious food regularly during school hours.

Ingredients to Be Used in Halwa

As per the guidelines, halwa will be prepared using the following ingredients for each student:

• Semolina: 30 grams
• Oil: 5 grams
• Sugar: 22 grams
• Grated coconut: 5 grams

The government will also provide the fuel required to prepare the food in schools.

Upma to Include Vegetables and Peanuts

Upma will be prepared using semolina, seasonal vegetables and peanuts to provide students with a variety of ingredients.

The prescribed quantity of ingredients per student includes:

• Semolina: 30 grams
• Oil: 2 grams
• Seasonal vegetables: 20 grams
• Peanuts: 6 grams

Necessary spices, salt and cooking fuel will also be provided for preparation.

Focus on Children’s Nutrition

The initiative is intended to supplement the nutritional intake of students studying in primary and upper primary schools. By introducing halwa and upma into the school food schedule, the government aims to provide children with additional food during breaks.

The programme is expected to benefit around 1.8 lakh students in Uttar Pradesh. Its implementation will add variety to the existing school meal arrangements while focusing on children’s nutritional needs.

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