Rain casts cloud on fate of paddy crop, farmers in Odisha
BERHAMPUR/JEYPORE: The low pressure-induced rain has emerged as a serious threat to paddy crops leaving farmers of Ganjam and Koraput increasingly alarmed. Farmers of Ganjam, who were threatened by untimely rains last week, are now in a fix as fresh showers on Friday compounded their crop loss worries. They said after the fresh spell of showers, crop fields have been inundated by rainwater. A farmer of the Khamarigaon area in Digapahandi block Simanchal Choudhury said the rain has raised fears of crop loss among farmers who were waiting for their harvested paddy to dry in fields before threshing. Rainwater has now entered the crop fields leaving farmers in distress. Echoing similar views, Chakrapani Tarai of Chhatrapur block said to drain out rainwater from fields, farmers have dug small outlets. But the crop has become wet, which is the main worry now. As the IMD has predicted rains for another day or two, it will lead to extensive crop damage as the grains have started falling from the stem. Besides, the paddy will be discoloured and not match the FAQ. It may cause heavy loss to farmers, he rued. While agriculture experts said more rains will pose problems for paddy due to moisture at the time of lifting, farmers urged the administration to relax the FAQ norms and save them from losses. However, civil supplies officer (CSO) Puspa Munda said there is no possibility for any relaxation. Paddy procurement in Ganjam will start from December 23 and 1,46,500 farmers have registered to sell their produce. Over 1,39 lakh tokens have already been given to farmers. The rest tokens will be distributed once the survey to detect fake farmers is completed. Similarly in Koraput, the rains halted paddy harvesting activities as farmers scurried to save their crops. Sources said moderate to heavy rains lashed different parts of the tribal region when harvesting and threshing of paddy was at its peak. The kharif harvesting process started in Jeypore, Kundra, Borigumma and Kotpad under Jeypore sub-division in the first week of December. Around 50 per cent of the paddy crops in 45,000 ha of land were harvested till date. However, the rains put a stop on all farm activities. A farmer of Ambaguda village Rajesh Madala said many farmers had left their paddy crop in the fields to dry after harvesting. As the crops have become wet due to the rain, there is a possibility of damage to the grains. Procurement is underway in the district and we cant wait for another seven to 10 days to get rid of the moisture from the harvested paddy, he said. Manoj Patra of Kunturkhal village said farmers will suffer huge losses due to moisture in the paddy. We are ready to take the paddy stock to local mandis for procurement. However, the rains have damaged the paddy badly and it may reflect on its FAQ, he added. Paddy procurement commenced on December 11 in the Koraput district.
Berhampur: A special vigilance court in Berhampur Friday sentenced a former gram panchayat secretary in Odishas Ganjam district to three years imprisonment for misappropriation of rice and cement. Rice was supplied to the panchayat under Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana and National Food for Work Programme. Special Judge of the vigilance court Arun Kumar Sahoo also []
Odisha: Chandragiri reserve forest set to get elephant care centre
Berhampur: An elephant care centre will soon come up in the Chandragiri reserve forest area in Odishas Ganjam district, local MLA Pradyumna Nayak said Friday. Around 21 hectares of land have been earmarked by the forest department for the facility near Beruabadi. The proposal of the Ghumusar north forest division is under active consideration and []
Illegal liquor unit busted in Berhampur; five arrested
Oil India, BMC ink pact to set up 200 TPD biogas plant in Bhubaneswar
BHUBANESWAR: Oil India Limited on Monday signed an MoU with Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to set up a compressed biogas (CBG) plant capable of processing 200 tonne of segregated municipal solid waste in the state capital. The central PSU will also support the state government in setting up of CBG plants in seven more places across the state. Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the move is significant towards creating a better Bhubaneswar. The gas generated from the plant can be used as fuel for transportation as well as in other sectors. The compost generated in the process can also be used in farming, he added. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had stressed setting up of more such projects in the state and assured of all possible support in this regard, Mahapatra said. While eight acre land has already been provided for the project in the city, Oil India Limited will also help the state government in setting up similar plants in six to seven more places including Puri, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Rourkela, Sonepur and Berhampur. The company has already taken steps in this regard and preparation of detailed project report (DPR) is in progress, he said. The minister said though a two-year deadline has been set for commissioning of the plant in Bhubaneswar, he has urged authorities to expedite the project work to ensure it is completed ahead of its scheduled timeline. Officials said the plant with 200 tonne per day (TPD) capacity will initially produce 10 to 15 TPD biomethane gas. Its capacity can also be scaled up to 300 TPD in the future. Around `150 crore will be invested for the project. Once the plant is set up, BMC will be able to handle its municipal waste more effectively. The harmful waste will be captured properly and optimised for better use supplementing the efforts of net zero emission target of the country, said H&UD secretary Usha Padhee. Municipal commissioner Rajesh Pravakar Patil said Oil India will commission the plant and look into its operational management. The problem we are facing at the temporary transit station will reduce to a significant extent once the plant is commissioned, he added. Oil India CMD Ranjit Rath said the CBG plant will process the municipal solid waste and convert it into two products, majorly green gas and green manure. We have got an assurance from the civic body here that we will be having access to segregated municipality waste for their processing at the plant, he said.
Ganjam targets 4.48 lakh quintals paddy procurement; strict action on fake registrations
BERHAMPUR: With the date of procurement of paddy in Ganjam drawing closer, the district administration is pulling out all stops, not only to meet the target by enlisting the maximum number of farmers but also to prevent distress sale. Paddy procurement in the district commences on December 23. Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida said all possible measures have been taken this year to meet paddy procurement target in the district, particularly to prevent distress sale by farmers. Sufficient time has been given to farmers for registration and by now 1,46,504 farmers have enlisted and a target has been set to procure 4,48,176 quintals this kharif season, he added. He is hopeful of a good harvest and said despite a similar scenario last year, at least 4,44,856 quintal paddy was procured from the farmers. Paddy production will be more than the target fixed for the season this year, he added. The collector said some vested interest traders are trying to demoralise farmers by spreading false information about lucrative prices and such activities, if found, will be dealt severely as under no circumstance, the farmers would be allowed to be exploited. The administration, by using satellite imagery, is also eliminating those trying to register by submitting fake documents. As per the satellite survey, in 23 tehsils of the district, as many as 2,31,302 suspected plots were put to field verification across 2,759 villages. By Sunday, survey of 1,70,938 plots has been completed and at least 11,309 plots have been blocked due to their suspicious nature. Another 27,825 plots are awaiting a final decision. About 1,31,804 plots were approved during the verification. The survey is likely to be completed before procurement starts as the name of the fake farmers would be deleted from the list. District chief civil supplies officer Puspa Munda said this year apart from the usual measures, the farmers were made aware about the procurement much earlier and hoped that procurement will be held transparently and smoothly. He said the purchase price of paddy including the input subsidy has been fixed at Rs 3,100 per quintal, which will benefit the farmers. Simanchal Choudhury, a farmer of Khamarigaon area in Digapahandi block said due to inadequate irrigation, around 20 pc cultivable land have been left barren. But rest of the areas will see a bumper crop and the unseasonal rain notwithstanding, he hopes to yield one and half time more paddy production, Choudhury owns around 8 acre of land.
Four killed, 28 injured as pickup van overturns in Odisha
Berhampur: At least four people, including three women, were killed and 28 others sustained injuries when a pickup van in which they were travelling overturned in Odishas Gajapati district Wednesday, police said. The accident took place at Chiting Ghat in Mohana police station area. The accident took place when 36 residents of Ramagiri village were []
Berhampur University has released the 2024 results for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, MA, MSc, and MCom. Students can access their results on the official website, buodisha.edu.in, by entering their roll number and programme details. Follow the provided steps to download and print the mark sheet for future reference.
5 awarded life term in 14-yr-old murder case
Berhampur: A local court here Monday handed down life imprisonment to five persons after convicting them in the murder case of one Dhira Samal, 14 years after the crime was committed. The convicts were identified as Kalia Sethi, 39, of Sriram Nagar Lane-6, P Krushna Chandra Patra, 48, Pinku Patra, 40, Sanjay Pradhan, 43, and []
Potato crisis: Government set for price intervention through NAFED supply
BHUBANESWAR : Unable to regulate retail price of the potato even after normal flow of the tuber from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, the state government has decided to provide the kitchen essential to consumers at a subsidised rate through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED). In the first phase of its market intervention initiative, the state government has procured 60 tonnes of potato from Uttar Pradesh through NAFED and the same will be available to consumers at fair price shops of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Jajpur, Balasore, Balangir, Sambalpur and Rourkela at a subsidised rate of `30 a kg. The sale of potato through NAFED started on Monday at various locations in the state capital city, said a senior officer of the civil supply department. After the lifting of the embargo on inter-state movement of potato by West Bengal government, normal supply to Odisha from the neigbouring state has been restored. There has been uninterrupted potato supply from Uttar Pradesh as Odisha traders do not want to rely solely on West Bengal due to volatility of TMC government. There is sufficient stock of the tuber everywhere, said secretary of Kuberpuri Bayabasayee Sangh Shakti Shankar Mishra. Mishra said there is absolutely no reason for retail traders to sell potato at `45 a kg when the wholesale price is `28. After deducting `2 a kg towards transportation cost, charging `15 more as profit is criminal. Similarly, the wholesale price of onion is `30-`32 a kg whereas the retail price is not climbing down from `60. All retailers prefer to lift third grade quality of potato and onion and sell at the price of first quality to maximise their profit. It is difficult for general consumers to keep tab on wholesale price of essential commodities on a daily basis but not for the state government. The supplies department has an intelligence wing to inform the government on prices of all essential commodities on daily basis. The enforcement wing has the job to regulate the market price. It goes without saying that the two agencies of the government are not doing their job properly, he added. Justifying the higher price of potato, a retail trader in the Unit-IV market said the quality of the tuber available at wholesale market is very low grade and there is substantial waste, say eight to 10 kg in a 50 kg packet. The retailers have to charge more to make up for their loss.
Over 59,000 victims of online trading fraud in Odisha in six years: CM Mohan Majhi
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revealed on Monday that over 59,000 people in the state have fallen prey to online trading fraud in the past six years. He shared these figures in a written statement presented during the State Legislative Assembly session. Between 2019 and November 2024, the state registered 769 cases of online trading scams, affecting 59,437 individuals. The number of reported cases peaked in 2023 and 2024, with 190 cases impacting 18,994 victims in 2023 and 472 cases defrauding 40,270 people in 2024 alone. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Police also reported significant cases, with four online trading fraud incidents in 2023 involving 18,804 victims and three more in 2024 affecting 40,219 individuals. To combat the surge in cybercrime, the state launched a dedicated cybercrime unit under the Crime Branch in Bhubaneswar on September 5, 2023. The unit specialises in investigating identity theft, hacking, phishing, and financial frauds such as ATM and online banking scams. Majhi also highlighted the states first cyber police station, established in 2004 and later moved to Cuttack in 2006. Despite handling fraud cases involving amounts over Rs 25 lakh, the station still operates without a fully sanctioned staff. In a broader effort to combat cybercrime, Odisha inaugurated 11 new cybercrime police stations and upgraded three more in Berhampur, Rourkela, and Sambalpur in 2021. Additionally, all district police headquarters now have cybercrime cells. Other initiatives include a cyber help desk, a 1930 cybercrime hotline, and specialised units focusing on online abuse, cyber forensics, social media monitoring, and digital fraud prevention. We are committed to enhancing our cybercrime response and safeguarding citizens from emerging digital threats, Majhi asserted.
Job racket busted in Odishas Ganjam, three held
Berhampur: Odisha Police Monday busted a job racket in Ganjam district and arrested three members of a gang allegedly involved in it, an official said. The accused persons reportedly duped at least 20 job aspirants in different districts, assuring them of employment in the government sector, he said. A newly purchased car, a money counting []
30-yr-old TPSODL staff held on duping charges
BERHAMPUR: Cyber police on Sunday arrested a 30-year-old TPSODL employee for allegedly duping a security guard of over Rs 3.56 lakh by misusing his documents. Debasish Patnaik, the accused worked as a housekeeping staff. He gained the trust of the security guard Balaram Sethy (35) of Gurunthi village by making friends with him. He then convinced Sethy to use his account to receive money from his friends, with a promise of transferring it to his own account later. After Sethy shared his documents including mobile number, Aadhaar card and PAN, Debasish used those to take a loan of Rs 4 lakh from a private bank online. Initially, Sethy received Rs 68,000 on October 23 and Rs 2,88,000 on October 29 in his account, which he transferred to Debasishs account, thinking it was money sent by his friends. When the private bank called Sethy to pay the interest on the loan on Friday, he was shocked and realised he had been duped. Sethy filed a complaint with the Cyber police, who arrested Debasish near Aska on Saturday. Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M said Debasish had duped Sethy of over Rs 3.56 lakh and copies and screen shots of the transaction and mobile application had been seized from the accused.
Odisha youth arrested for attacking, looting uncle in Berhampur
BERHAMPUR: Baidyanathpur police on Sunday arrested a 19-year-old youth for allegedly looting and launching a murderous attack on his uncle at the latter's house in Forest Colony recently. The accused has been identified as Chandan Biswal of Mandiapalli village. The condition of the victim, Bhanja Kishor Nanda is stated to be critical and he is currently admitted in the ICU of SCB Medical College and hospital in Cuttack. Police said the accused was staying with Nanda and his 12-year-old son when he committed the crime. Nanda's wife Sanjukta stays in Malkangiri where she works as a teacher. On November 24, Chandan hit Nandas head with a stone and fled with his valuables including Rs 50,000 cash. Nanda sustained grievous injuries and was initially admitted to the MKCG MCH from where he was referred to the SCB MCH in Cuttack. On getting information, Nanda's wife Sanjukta filed a complaint against Chandan following which police nabbed him. Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M said the looted articles including the cash have also been recovered from Chandan's possession. Three stolen motorcycles were also seized from him.
Over 50% teaching posts vacant at Berhampur varsity
Brass fish art of Ganjams Belaguntha finds new lifeline
BERHAMPUR: Belaguntha in Ganjam district, once celebrated for its unique brass fish art, is ready to reclaim its lost glory. Known for the art that put the region on Indias cultural map, the craft had slipped into oblivion due to negligence. Now, determined artisans are spearheading efforts to revive this heritage by training interested persons. Under master artisan Sushant Kumar Sahu, at least 25 women of Palaksandha village are undergoing training in the craft by forming Jay Ganesh Pitala Macha WSHG. These brass fish, distinguished by their polished yet antique appearance, are entirely handmade. Each artefact is a masterpiece, said Sahu, describing how brass sheets form the main body while brass wires craft intricate details like whiskers and legs. The addition of vibrant red stones for the eyes lends a captivating contrast. Remarkably, these artefacts become more flexible and durable with use, a testament to the artisans craftsmanship. Despite their past demand, the arts appeal diminished over the years due to inadequate promotion, soaring raw material costs, and dwindling artisan families. Recognising the need for intervention, the Handicrafts directorate has stepped in, focusing on both promotion and encouraging young talents to sustain this traditional craft. The art brought glory to Belaguntha and has potential to provide a steady income. With proper support, we can restore its legacy, said Namita Behera, president of the WSHG. The women, now equipped with new skills, hope to not only revive the craft but also uplift their families financially. Kamal Kumari Pradhan, sarpanch of Kshatribarapur panchayat, assured full support for the artisans. This initiative is vital for preserving our heritage and empowering women in our community, she said. For trainees like Mamata Kumari Moharana, Subasini Swain and Bindu Pradhan, learning the craft is both challenging and rewarding. This art demands focus and dedication, they shared. The revival of Belagunthas brass fish art stands as a ray of hope, promising not only to safeguard a dying tradition but also to transform the lives of those dedicated to its resurgence.
Students fall sick after consuming mid-day meal in Kandhamal district
BERHAMPUR: Twenty five students of an upper primary school in Simanbadi, under Daringibadi block in Kandhamal district fell sick after consuming mid-day meal (MDM) on Saturday. Sources revealed that post lunch, six of the students complained of stomach ache and vomiting followed by 19 others with same symptoms. Upon being informed, cluster resource centre coordinator Sibasankar Sahu, principal Bidesi Nayak and school managing committee president Arkel Pradhan rushed the sick students to Simanbadi hospital. Though the exact cause of the illness is yet to be ascertained, affected students reported that the dal and curry tasted sour. While some students consumed the meal despite noticing the taste, others discarded it. The headmaster said the matter is under investigation but priority is the safety of the students. Meanwhile, a medical team from Daringibadi has been dispatched to Simanbadi hospital to provide further treatment to the affected children.
Five million suffered from diarrhoea, typhoid due to polluted water in Odisha: CAG
BHUBANESWAR: Nearly half a crore people in Odisha were affected by acute diarrhoea and typhoid, while thousands more suffered from hepatitis and renal diseases in the five-year period between 2017-18 and 2021-22 due to the use of contaminated water, says a startling revelation by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). In its Performance Audit Report on Storm Water Drainage and Sewerage Management Systems in Municipal Corporations for the year ending 31 March 2022 tabled in the Assembly on Saturday, the report underlined that use of polluted water even resulted in mental imbalance, miscarriages and cancer. The report is a scathing indictment of the poor sanitation standards adopted by the previous Biju Janata Dal government. Citing information furnished by the state Health department for the financial years from 2017-18 to 2021-22, the CAG stated that a total 42,23,675 persons were affected by acute diarrhoea and dysentery during the period. Acute diarrhoea disease (ADD) had maximum health impact in Ganjam district, covering Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC), where no sewerage projects had been implemented. Approximately, 2,84,805 people in Ganjam were affected by ADD between 2017-18 and 2021-22. It was followed by Khurda with 2,22,746, Sundargarh with 2,11,693, Cuttack with 1,15,120 and Sambalpur with 94,815 cases of ADD. This meant, five districts accounted for nearly 1 million cases of the total 4.2 million mentioned in the report. Typhoid remained the second major disease arising out of contaminated water, the CAG report said, adding that 4,62,660 people suffered from the disease during the period. The districts most affected were Khurda with 18,164 cases, followed by Sundargarh (17,563), Ganjam (13,006), Cuttack (12,109) and Sambalpur (5,902). Hepatitis also impacted 12,442 people in this period with Sambalpur being the most-affected district, followed by Cuttack. Around 11,600 people also suffered from renal diseases. Khurda district had the maximum incidence of renal disease, followed by Cuttack, Sundargarh, Ganjam and Sambalpur, the CAG stated. The audit watchdog underlined that the reported health disorders, arising due to use of contaminated water, also include disorders relating to skin, digestive, respiratory and nervous systems, kidneys, spinal cord and heart, mental imbalance, miscarriage, and cancer. The CAG audit found delay in implementation of sewerage projects, delayed by nine to 14 years, had severe environmental impact. The waste water discharged directly into Mahanadi, Kathajodi, Kuakhai, Daya, Gangua, Brahmani and the Bay of Bengal, caused water contamination. It also found presence of heavy metals including nickel, lead and cadmium in cauliflower, coriander leaf, radish, green leaf (sag), brinjal and cabbage in samples of vegetable crops grown using contaminated water collected by the audit team with the help of soil science department of OUAT in February 2023. The presence of toxic elements in vegetable crops poses serious threat to human and animal health, the report stated. The audit also observed that none of the five municipal corporations could implement the sewerage projects fully in their jurisdiction within the deadline of April 2020 and came down heavily on Odisha State Pollution Control Board for its failure to levy and collect environment compensation to the tune of Rs 1,239 crore for the same. As per NGT instructions (2018), treatment of 100 per cent sewerage was to be ensured by March 2020. In case of non-compliance of sewerage treatment plants, the local bodies would be liable to pay EC, with effect from April 2020 onwards, the CAG stated.
Odisha: 54-year-old man sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping girl
Berhampur: A 54-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years in jail by a special court in Odishas Ganjam district Saturday for raping a 12-year-old girl. The incident happened in September 2020 in Kabisurya Nagar. The man who lived in the same village as the girl had kidnapped her, and raped her multiple times. Judge Ganeshwar []
Odisha: One poacher held for killing birds near Chilika Lake
Berhampur: Odisha Forest department sleuths arrested an elderly person for allegedly killing migratory birds near Chilika Lake in Khurda district, officials said Saturday. Carcass of two migratory birds, including northern pintail and white-breasted water hen, both scheduled II birds under the wildlife protection Act 1972, were found from the possession of the accused person. The []
BeMC demands Rs 10.48 lakh, MKCG says owes nothing for waste collection
BERHAMPUR: The Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) and MKCG Medical College and Hospital are caught in a tussle over payment of bills for cleaning the health institutions premises. While the municipal body has rapped MKCG MCH for non-payment of Rs 10.48 lakh towards the cleaning services, the latter has claimed it owes nothing to the BeMC. The BeMC commissioner, in a letter to the MKCG MCH superintendent, sought payment amounting Rs 10.48 lakh towards waste collection from the MCH premises. It cited a tripartite agreement among BeMC, MCH and a private agency engaged by the college signed in 2021 for cleaning of the MCH premises. The agreement was valid from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. However, it has not been renewed nor a further pact signed. As per the agreement, the BeMC claimed it provided dustbins and lifted waste to dispose at the transit dumping yard over MCH land. Towards the transportation, the letter said, the dues of Rs 10.48 lakh have not been deposited by the medical college yet. The BeMC letter said, a total of 699 trips (417 in 2023 and 282 in 2024) were made but the payment at the rate of Rs 1,500 per trip has not been deposited yet. Besides, since the MCH closed the transit dumping yard on its land, it has become difficult to take the burden of additional transportation on part of BeMC to dump the collected garbage from the MCH at other places, it added. The letter further stated that the BeMC council in its meeting on November 22, 2024 resolved not to lift waste from the MCH anymore. However, the MKCG authorities had another version. Sangram Panda, registrar (administration) of the MCH refuted the charges levelled by BeMC. He said the corporation never lifted waste from the medical college premises; rather it was the private agency which did the job. As per the agreement, the private agency has been paid by the MCH for collection of the waste. Hence, there is no necessity to pay BeMC anything. Panda said the transit waste dumping yard on MCH premises was illegal and violated Medical Council of India guidelines. We asked to close the yard and the BeMC is reacting in different way, he said. The registrar said, as per the norms, it is the duty of the BeMC to collect waste from MCH premises since it collects holding tax and can charge users fee. But we have never seen waste collection vehicle of BeMC on our premises during the last two years and no one approached us for users fee, he added. As per the agreement, the MCH will pay Rs 22 per one kg of soild waste to the private agency, Panda said and added that BeMCs demand of Rs 10.48 lakh is unwarranted and a fitting reply would be sent. Meanwhile, in the tussle between the two agencies, solid waste and construction debris lay at various places of the MCH polluting the atmosphere and creating unhygienic conditions.
Odisha: TPSODL powers IISER Berhampur, with 33 KV Line
Bhubaneswar : TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) has successfully commissioned a dedicated 33 KV power supply line for the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Berhampur, marking a significant step towards fortifying Indias education and research ecosystem. Located near the Bay of Bengal, just 1 km from Garampeta sea beach, IISER Berhampur is the only IISER in Odisha and one of seven across India under the Union ministry of education. Its 200-acre permanent campus at Laudigam, Ganjam, accommodates over 800 students and 250 research scholars from diverse states, making it a hub of academic and cultural synergy. The newly commissioned 33 KV power line spans 21 Kilometres, featuring 16.6 Kilometres of underground cabling and 4.88 km of overhead lines. This state-of-the-art infrastructure ensures an uninterrupted, reliable power supply to IISERs academic and research facilities. The underground cabling system is especially advantageous, offering climate resilience, reduced maintenance, and enhanced safetyessential for a coastal institution like IISER Berhampur. TPSODL prioritised safety and operational reliability throughout the project, implementing a range of measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply and adherence to global best practices in power distribution. These measures included trimming tree branches near power lines, clearing bushes around key structures, fencing critical infrastructure, greasing isolator blades, and properly earthing cable leads. As an additional safety enhancement, TPSODL recently installed Bird Guards along the 33 KV line. These guards are specifically designed to prevent birds from coming into contact with transmission lines, protecting them from electrocution while ensuring uninterrupted power supply. This innovative step underscores TPSODLs commitment to sustainability, safety, and reliability in power infrastructure. IISER Berhampur plays a vital role in advancing Indias academic and research excellence. At TPSODL, we are proud to empower such institutions with dependable power infrastructure that ensures uninterrupted operations. Our commitment to sustainable energy solutions aligns with Indias vision for a resilient and future-ready power sector, said Amit Kumar Garg, CEO TPSODL. IISER Berhampurs enhanced power infrastructure will bolster its ability to conduct cutting-edge research, foster innovation, and support high-quality education. This initiative also reflects TPSODLs focus on encouraging regional and national development by enabling institutions to perform at their peak potential.
Odisha's Top Maoist Leader Wants To Pursue MA From Jail
Top Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, currently in Odisha's Berhampur circle jail serving a life sentence, expressed his interest in pursuing MA in Public Administration through the Odisha State Open University (OSOU) this year, a prison official said.
Mango Kernel Tragedy: One more death reported at SCBMCH
Bhubaneswar: A patient who fell critically ill after consuming gruel made from mango kernels passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack. This latest fatality brings the death toll from mango kernel poisoning to three. The deceased, identified as Jita Majhi from Mandipanka village, had been transferred to SCBMCH along with another patient from MKCG Medical College and Hospital (MKCGMCH) after their conditions worsened. While the second patient remains in critical condition and is receiving treatment, Majhi succumbed despite intensive care measures. Despite our best efforts, we could not save Jita Majhi, who had been undergoing hemodialysis with ventilator support. She passed away at approximately 2:15 PM in the ICU of the Medicine Ward, the hospital stated in an official release. This tragedy follows the earlier deaths of two tribal women at MKCGMCH in Berhampur, who had also consumed mango kernel gruel. Six others who consumed the gruel were hospitalized in critical condition. The incident occurred in Mandipanka village under the Daringbadi block of Kandhamal district. On November 7, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik criticised the Odisha government over the reported deaths and called for immediate action to address the issue.
Odisha's Patapur police station selected as best in India
Berhampur: Patapur police station in Odisha's Ganjam district has been selected as one of the three best police stations in the country in 2024 by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), officials said. Union Home minister Amit Shah will hand over the trophy to the inspector-in-charge of the police station in the convention of the Director Generals of Police, scheduled to be held at Bhubaneswar from November 29 to December 1. Joint Director and conference secretary, Intelligence Bureau of the MHA, Samir S IIme has written a letter to Odisha Director General of Police, Y B Khurania about the selection of Patapur as the best police station in the country, they said. The ranking of police stations across the country is an annual exercise by the MHA, with the stations judged on the basis of over 150 different parameters like crime rate, investigation and disposal of cases, infrastructure, and delivery of public service. About 20 per cent of the total points are also based on feedback about the police station from citizens, they said. The main objective of the ranking was to improve the quality of policing and make the police stations as friendly. We are very happy as our police station stands as one of the three best police stations in the country. It could be possible due to the teamwork of the staff, said SP(Ganjam), Suvendu Kumar Patra. A team of the MHA had visited the 113-year-old Patapur police station on September 28 to assess its infrastructure facilities, said Sanjay Kumar Mohapatra, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Aska. The team had also taken feedback from the public about the community policing and functioning of the station, officials said. Besides performance on detection, disposal of various crimes, enforcement, steps taken to prevent crimes, implementation of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS), the police station also has good infrastructure facilities like women and child desk, child-friendly corner, toilets, fire safety measures and open gym for the public.
Odisha: Three killed, 13 injured in separate road accidents
Bhubaneswar: In a tragic series of road mishaps across Odisha on Sunday, three people lost their lives, and more than 13 sustained severe injuries, underscoring growing concerns about road safety in the state. In Paradips Atharbanki, Mahendra Jena, a fish vendor, was killed when a speeding truck ran over him. Jena, who was on a bicycle heading to sell fish on the occasion of Chhadakhai, was fatally struck, leading to outrage among locals. Residents staged a road blockade, demanding restrictions on heavy vehicle movement in the area and compensation for the victims family. Another fatality occurred in Balasore when Kanhu Pradhan, a young man returning home from work, was hit by an unidentified vehicle near Indira Square in Basta. The vehicle fled the scene after the incident on National Highway 16. Police have recovered the body and initiated efforts to trace the absconding vehicle. The third incident claimed the life of a female tourist, Sarojini Behera, and left over 13 others injured when their vehicle overturned at Kendughati in Gajapati district under Mohana police limits. The group, traveling from Bhubaneswar to Koraputs Gupteswar, reportedly faced the accident due to reckless driving. The injured passengers were initially rushed to the Mohana Community Health Centre (CHC), with two critically injured individuals later transferred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced treatment. The ill-fated vehicle was carrying 15 people, including the driver, at the time of the accident. Injured passengers cited rash driving as the cause. These incidents have once again drawn attention to the alarming rise in road accidents in Odisha. Authorities and citizens alike are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road safety measures to prevent such tragedies.
Servitors among 6 arrested for theft at famed Odisha temple
Berhampur: Four servitors were among the six persons arrested in connection with the theft of ornaments and cash from the revered Tara Tarini temple in Odisha's Ganjam district, police said on Friday. Silver ornaments worth Rs 10 lakh were stolen from the temple, a 'Shakta Pith' located on a hilltop in Purushottampur, on November 4. Among the items stolen were the crowns of the deities, a ceremonial umbrella and masks of the deities, according to police. The accused were identified as Amulya Rana (28), Bikash Rana (20), Rabin Kumar Rana of Gobindapur and Goutam Rana of Pratapur -- all servitors of the temple. The other two are the night watchmen of the temple, Kalia Dash (35) and Balaram Nayak (45) of Raipur. A cutter machine was seized from Kalia, while some electrical equipment was found with Balaram. A total of Rs 39,000 in cash was recovered from Amulya and Rabin, said SDPO (Purushottampur) Rajani Kanta Samal. He said the stolen silver ornaments could not be recovered from the accused persons. We are trying to recover the silver ornaments of the deities, he added. Samal said the investigation was continuing to find the other persons involved in the theft. The accused entered the temple by breaking the locks of the entrance gate. Besides stealing the silver ornaments, they had also taken cash from the 'hundi' or the donation box of the temple, police said. The matter came to light on the next morning. An investigation was started after the temple's managing committee lodged a police complaint. CCTV cameras have been installed at the temple following the theft.
Odisha polices emoji faces arrest announcement sparks reactions on X
A social media post shared by Berhampur police in Odisha has captured widespread attention. It has been lauded online for its humourous approach to announcing the arrest of four men accused of assault. Instead of blurred faces, the police replaced the suspects faces with funny emojis, transforming a serious announcement into laughter. The post, shared Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Human skeleton found in abandoned stone quarry in Odisha's Balasore
The skeleton has been recovered from a long abandoned stone quarry in a remote hilltop Berhampur area in Nilagiri subdivision, an officer said
Berhampur SP's social media post using emojis to cover up faces of accused goes viral
As many as 2,952 users have liked it, while 925 have reposted and 218 commented on the post by the time
Royal Bengal Tiger Sighting Near Berhampur Causes Panic Among Locals
BHUBANESWAR: Royal Bengal Tiger crossing National Highway 16 near Roland College on the outskirts of Odishas Berhampur city was captured on camera Wednesday, sparking widespread concern, reports said on Friday. The video, recorded by a cars dashboard camera, quickly went viral on social media, drawing attention to the rare but concerning presence of the tiger near populated areas. Following the sighting, local residents have been on edge, with many expressing fears about the potential dangers posed by the big cat. In response, the state forest department has ramped up patrols and surveillance in the area, keeping a close watch on the tigers movements. Officials have urged locals to stay vigilant, cooperate with the forest department, and report any further sightings. Additionally, they have installed trap cameras at strategic locations to monitor the tigers path and activity. Forest officials believe the tiger has been roaming the outskirts of Berhampur for the past few days, likely in search of food. Evidence of its presence, including pug marks, has been found in several locations nearby. Some residents have even reported recent livestock attacks attributed to the tiger. In Padmapur, a cow was allegedly killed, while a goat was reportedly attacked in Chikiti, escalating concerns among farmers and villagers. An auto driver also claimed to have seen the tiger near a mill on the Patrapur-Jayantipur road, further emphasising the tiger's movement across a wide area. The forest department is investigating these reports and working closely with local communities to ensure public safety while tracking the tigers movements. The incident has sparked renewed discussions on wildlife conservation and human-wildlife conflict, as officials continue their efforts to manage the situation without harming the animal or endangering the public. Hrusikesh Mohanty, a Berhampur-based development activist, observed that the wildlife like tiger and elephants are frequently wandering onto non-forested areas, including human habitations, because of scarcity of foods in their natural habitats.
Two women die, six in critical condition after consuming mango kernel dishes in Odisha
The women experienced severe stomach pain and discomfort after consuming the mango kernel dishes. Initially treated at the local Godapur Community Health Centre (CHC), they were later transferred to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur when their conditions worsened
Family ostracised over land in Ganjam village
BERHAMPUR: Even as people across Ganjam celebrate Durga Puja with pomp and fervour, a family from Laudigaon within Golanthara police limits in the district, is leading a miserable life after being ostracised by for not parting with its land. The family of 17 including two school children were ostracised by a kangaroo court of the village committee on August 23. The family was meted out the treatment as it did not agree to part with its ancestral land. S Mahesh, the head of the family, said he and the others used to earn a livelihood by plucking kewda flowers from the land. This apart, a few members of the family worked as daily wagers at nearby places including IISER. The familys ordeal started when a few villagers tried to take over the land forcibly. The matted reached Golanthara police which managed to settle the issue by asking the two sides to reach a compromise. Maheshs family thought the worse was over. But the village committee, in a meeting, barred the family from the village. The diktat issued at the kangaroo court meant that the family was barred from buying essentials from shops and collect water from tubewells in the village. Even the children were barred from taking tuitions in the village. The committee also warned the villagers they would be imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 if they remained in contact with the family. Further the committee asked kewda bhati (processing units) not to buy flowers from the family. As if this was not enough, contractors were asked not to engage any member of the family in any work being undertaken at IISER. We showed the letter of compromise to shopkeepers, bhati owners and others but in vain, said Mahesh. The village has around 250 households and that of Mahesh is at the end of it. Fetching water from other villages is a tough task for us, said Maheshs daughter Garriamma. On Friday, the family was summoned to Golanthara police station on the direction of higher-ups. But as Mahesh and his family reached the police station, they were told that the IIC was out on patrolling duty. Refuting the familys allegations, village head Naidu N Dileshu said no family has been ostracised from the village. If shopkeepers are not selling essentials to the family, it could be due to a dispute, he said . Relentless harassment The family's ordeal started when some villagers tried to take over the land forcibly Police managed to convince both the parties to reach a compromise Yet the harassment of the family continues
Private bus operators call off proposed strike in 14 Odisha districts
Private bus operators in 14 districts of Odisha have decided to call off their proposed strike after a meeting with Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on their demand in Berhampur on Monday. The private bus owners' associations in the 14 south and western Odisha districts had announced to go on a 24-hour strike beginning at 6 pm on Monday, opposing LAccMI bus service from blocks to district headquarters. Loknath Padhi, president of Private Bus Owners Association, Baliguda, who was present during the meeting with the Transport minister said, We have decided to call off our strike from this evening as the minister has assured us that he will certainly look into our demand. The state government has decided to run AC buses from blocks to district headquarter towns under Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) scheme at an affordable price of Rs 10 per woman passenger while the private buses are charging Rs 60 to 80 per passenger, he said. If the LAccMI buses start ..
In Berhampur city, Odisha, Prashant Kumar Nayak has installed a life-size silicone statue of his wife, Kiran, who died during the COVID pandemic. Created by a Bengaluru-based sculptor over a year, the statue aims to fill the void for the family, particularly their three children.
Transforming Jharkhand: Central Govt's Development Initiatives Under PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to drive India's infrastructure transformation, recently flagging off three new Vande Bharat Express trains, connecting Jharkhand with major cities across the country. On September 15, PM Modi virtually launched these modern trains from Tatanagar, extending India's semi-high-speed rail network. The newly introduced routesTatanagar-Patna, Deoghar-Varanasi, and Tatanagar-Berhampurwill significantly enhance both intra- and inter-state connectivity. The Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat Express will complete the journey in approximately seven hours, running six days a week. Additionally, the Deoghar-Varanasi route, connecting two major pilgrimage centers, is expected to boost religious tourism and improve Jharkhand's railway infrastructure. These infrastructure projects reflect the Central Government's dedication to improving Jharkhands connectivity, industry, and overall development. While the state government under Hemant Soren's leadership has faced challenges in fully capitalizing on these advancements, the BJP is positioning itself to spearhead Jharkhands journey toward greater prosperity. Expanding Railway Connectivity The Modi government has been pivotal in enhancing Jharkhands railway network. The introduction of Vande Bharat Express trains on routes such as Ranchi-Patna and Ranchi-Howrah has reduced travel time, facilitating business, education, and personal travel. Key projects like the Ranchi-Lohardaga-Tori railway line renovation and electrification have boosted efficiency in both freight and passenger services. Modernizing railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has further positioned Jharkhand as a future logistics and transit hub. Airport Development: Elevating Jharkhands Connectivity The 2022 inauguration of Deoghar Airport was a significant achievement, linking Jharkhand to India's aviation network and supporting religious tourism. Upcoming projects such as Bokaro and Dumka airports are expected to further integrate the state into national and international flight routes, creating jobs and boosting the economy. Sahibganj Multi-Modal Terminal: Strengthening Trade Inaugurated in 2019 under the Jal Marg Vikas Project, the Sahibganj Multi-Modal Terminal has bolstered cargo movement by connecting waterways, rail, and road networks. Situated along the Ganga River, this terminal has made transporting goods between Jharkhand, Varanasi, Haldia, and Nepal more efficient. The expansion of its cargo capacity from 30 lakh to 55 lakh tons underscores the government's long-term vision for Jharkhands role as a strategic hub for trade and exports. Industrial Growth and Economic Development Jharkhand's abundant resources have played a key role in the Central Governments drive for industrial growth. Initiatives like LPG bottling plants in Bokaro and Barhi have boosted local energy production and created job opportunities. The Sindri Nano Urea Plant addresses a crucial gap in the agricultural sector by reducing dependence on urea imports, benefiting farmers in Jharkhand and surrounding regions. The state's integration into major industrial frameworks like the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor and the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor is set to accelerate industrial development and lower transportation costs, strengthening Jharkhand's economic foundation. Advancements in Education and Healthcare The Modi government's commitment to social development extends to improving education and healthcare in Jharkhand. Programs like Eklavya Model Residential Schools offer quality education to tribal children, helping bridge the gap in educational access in rural areas. PM SHRI Schools have modernized numerous schools, providing students with enhanced infrastructure, smart classrooms, and computer labs. Healthcare access has significantly improved with the establishment of AIIMS Deoghar, providing advanced medical services that previously required travel to distant cities. The Ayushman Bharat Scheme has provided free healthcare to millions, while Jan Aushadhi Kendras offer affordable medicines to the underprivileged. Empowering Tribal Communities Prime Minister Modis government has prioritized the empowerment of tribal communities through dedicated schemes in education, healthcare, and economic development. Projects like the construction of Birsa Munda Smriti Park and the GI tag recognition of Hazaribagh's Sohrai and Khovar art celebrate Jharkhand's rich cultural heritage. Improvements in housing, roads, and infrastructure in tribal areas have further uplifted marginalized populations. A Vision for Jharkhands Future With the BJP positioning itself as a leader for Jharkhand's future, the Central Government's development initiatives provide a clear roadmap for progress. The people of Jharkhand, having experienced the benefits of the Centre's policies, are poised to welcome a new era of growth and self-reliance under the leadership of the BJP. From Varanasi to Agra in 7-hrs: All You Need to Know About New VandeBharat Train PM Modi Flags Off Namo Bharat Rapid Rail: THESE Routes to Cover Key Destinations Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express: Travel in Just 8 Hours Details Here
65-year-old gang-raped by neighbours in Medchal
Hyderabad :A 65-year-old was allegedly gang-raped by three men on Thursday night, Medchal police said on Friday.According to ACP Shanker Reddy, the woman and the suspected accused were neighbours. On Thursday night, the accused had reportedly called the woman to one Venkata Rao's house for cooking. Later in the night, all the four consumed alcohol and the victim fell asleep. On Friday morning, the victim woke up and noticed she was bleeding. When she reached out to the police, they started an investigation. The ACP said that Venkata Rao, 30, confessed to the crime, but denied the presence of the others. However, the victim claimed there were three people involved, but the role of the other two has not been established yet, according to the ACP. A preliminary medical examination of the victim's health has benefits done and further investigation is underway. Two Arrested for Transporting Ganja via Hyderabad Hyderabad : The Rajendranagar special operations team and Dundigal police arrested two persons while transporting 86 kg of dry ganja from Odisha to Delhi via Hyderabad, near ORR Exit No. 5, Dundigal, on Friday. The arrested accused were identified as Sunindra Kumar Singh of Odisha, the transporter and Laxmi, of Malkangiri. Amit Agarwal of Delhi, main supplier Raju from Berhampur and Shiva, another transporter, are absconding, police said. DCA Seizes Steroids Worth Rs 2 Lakh in Koti Hyderabad : The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) on Friday raided Rakesh Distributor in Koti and seized 22 varieties of steroids that the establishment was storing, including androgen and anabolic steroids, worth 2 lakh. The police booked cases against owner Rakesh Kanodia. The DCA also raided Srikanth Neurocentre at Miyapur which was found operating a medical shop without a drug licence. Officials seized 31 varieties of medicines valued 1.01 lakh. Youth Attacked During Ganesha Fete Hyderabad :In an attempted hate crime, 26-year-old Panikara Sai a.k.a. Moksh Yadav was attacked with a knife while operating a DJ system during the recent Ganesh immersion procession. The accused, Mahesh, bore a grudge against Sai as his sister, Manasa, had married the victim against her familys wishes about a year ago. They both belong to the same caste, police said. Following the attack, Sai was rushed to a private Hospital in Keesara, where he received four stitches and was later discharged. Meanwhile, police apprehended Mahesh. Manasa filed a complaint with the Ghatkesar police prompting them to register a case of attempted murder.
Seven students from a state-run engineering college in Berhampur, Odisha, were expelled from their hostel for cooking beef, an activity restricted on the premises. The college authorities took action after an inquiry and informed the parents. A penalty was also imposed on one student.
Jharkhand has three major enemies JMM, Congress and RJD: PM Modi
RANCHI: While addressing a 'Parivartan Yatra' at Jamshedpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Jharkhand has three major enemies: Congress, JMM and RJD. PM Modi had earlier announced 6 rallies in Jharkhand ahead of the assembly polls. The PM attacked the ruling alliance in the speech. RJD is taking revenge over the formation of Jharkhand and it is an open fact that the Congress hates Jharkhand. These people may go to any extent in greed of power and money, said Modi. The PM alleged JMM of supporting Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators. Do you know why it happened? Because the ghost of Congress has entered into the JMM, and when the ghost of Congress enters into any party, appeasement becomes the only agenda of that party, said Modi. For this, first they sacrifice the interests of Dalits, tribals and backward society, the same is happening with JMM, he added. He added that although the JMM was established on the basis of tribal votes, today they are standing with Congress, who have snatched the forest land of tribals. Do you know that there is only one most dishonest party and family in this country? It is the Congress Party and the Congress family; all the streams of corruption originated from there only, he added. PM Modi said that Jharkhand was created with big dreams, but all these dreams got sacrificed to corruption. JMM people also get training from there. All of them have come from the Congress School of Corruption, said Modi. PM Modi landed at Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi on Sunday morning. He flagged off 6 Vande Bharat trains virtually from the airport. Due to heavy rains in Jamshedpur, PM Modi cancelled his trip to Tatanagar railway station, so he virtually flagged off the trains from Ranchi. PMs road show which was scheduled on Jamshedpurs Bishtupur Main Road was also cancelled due to the incessant rain. Later, however, the PM left for Jamshedpur from Ranchi via road. The Vande Bharat trains flagged off by PM Modi will run between Berhampur-Tatanagar, Rourkela-Howrah, Deoghar-Varanasi, Howrah-Gaya, Dumka-Howrah and Howrah-Bhagalpur. These trains will enhance religious tourism in the region by offering quicker transportation to pilgrimage destinations such as Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar (Jharkhand), Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Kalighat, and Belur Math in Kolkata (West Bengal).
Odisha To Amend Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1960 To Curb Cruelty to Animal
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at addressing animal welfare and boosting the state's agricultural economy, Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced plans to amend the Orissa Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1960, during the 'Monsoon Meet,' organised by the Union ministry of animal husbandry and dairying. The proposed amendments are expected to make the act more robust in curbing animal cruelty and ensuring better protection for livestock. Majhi's remarks come as part of the broader vision set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which focuses on improving the lives of small farmers through enhanced animal husbandry, improved animal health, pisciculture, and beekeeping at the village level. Odisha is laying the groundwork for transformative changes, despite the new government being in its infancy, Majhi said, highlighting a roadmap that targets both immediate and long-term sectoral growth across the state. Among the key initiatives unveiled was the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, a five-year plan with a budget allocation of Rs 1,423.47 crore. This comprehensive scheme is designed to elevate milk production in the state through various support mechanisms, including subsidized calf feed, increased livestock insurance, and the strengthening of dairy cooperatives. Majhi also emphasised Odishas partnership with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), which is set to enhance milk production and fortify state-run cooperatives. Plans include the establishment of a cutting-edge vaccine production unit in Berhampur and a feed analytical laboratory in Bhubaneswar, reflecting the state's commitment to building a resilient dairy industry. In the poultry and small animal sectors, the Prani Sampad Samrudhhi Yojana will soon be launched to promote sustainable livestock farming. Additionally, a Small Animal Breeding Policy is being formulated to stimulate growth in this segment, underscoring Odisha's holistic approach to animal husbandry. Further demonstrating the states commitment to animal welfare, Majhi introduced the GOMATA Yojana (Goal for Management And Treatment of Animals), which aims to improve livestock health through mobile veterinary clinics. He also unveiled the Mukhyamantri Prani Kalyan Yojana, a scheme focused on the compassionate treatment of stray animals, highlighting Odishas focus on both economic and ethical advancements in animal care. Majhi stressed the critical role of animal husbandry and dairy sectors in ensuring India's food security and rural development, pointing out their importance in providing essential nutrients like milk, meat, eggs, and fish. As Odisha approaches its centenary in 2036, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example, aligning our goals with the national vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, Majhi stated. The Monsoon Meet, a first-of-its-kind event held in Odisha, was attended by key figures, including Union minister for fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with state ministers S P Singh Baghel and George Kurian, as well as senior officials from 15 states. This gathering marked a pivotal moment in discussing future strategies to integrate animal welfare with agricultural development, aligning with India's broader vision for sustainable growth.
PM Modi to Launch Three New Vande Bharat Trains in Jharkhand on September 15
On September 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off three new Vande Bharat Express trains, enhancing connectivity across several regions. These trains will connect Tatanagar to Patna, Deoghar to Varanasi, and Tatanagar to Berhampur, improving travel options for passengers in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. The Vande Bharat trains, designed for long-distance journeys, are known for their efficiency and speed. As electric multiple units, they aim to reduce travel time and provide a smoother experience compared to other trains like the Rajdhani Express. BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed that PM Modi will visit Jamshedpur on September 15 to inaugurate the new services. Along with this, the Prime Minister will also deposit the first installment of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana into the accounts of over 1 lakh beneficiaries. These new Vande Bharat trains will operate six days a week. The Tatanagar-Patna Express is expected to complete its journey in approximately seven hours, with departures scheduled at 6 a.m. from Tatanagar and 3 p.m. from Patna. The Deoghar-Varanasi service will strengthen connections between two key pilgrimage sites, while the Tatanagar-Berhampur train will enhance travel options for passengers in Odisha. This launch follows the recent expansion of Vande Bharat services to other regions, including routes connecting Meerut to Lucknow, Madurai to Bengaluru, and Chennai to Nagercoil. Indore-Jabalpur Express Derails Near Jabalpur, No Injuries Reported These Trains Will Be Cancelled or Rescheduled at Bengaluru Cantonment Station India, US Launch 'Yudh Abhyas' 2024 Joint Military Exercise in Rajasthan
Boy, 5, Survives Fall from Train, Spends Night by Tracks
BHUBANESWAR: This incident could well be antithetical to William Shakespeares famous line Its not in the stars to hold our destiny but ourselves in his famous play Julius Caesar. A five-year-old little boy who fell off a speeding train on Tuesday night and spent the whole night beside the railway track passing through a forested area survived by sheer destiny and was reunited with his family on Wednesday. What is quite miraculous is that the boy has not suffered any major injuries. According to reports, the boy Pritish Pragya of Berhampur was on Tuesday night travelling with father Manas Hota and others from Raipur to Bhubaneswar on Durg-Puri Express. The kid accidentally slipped from the train in the Rairakhol area in Odishas Sambalpur district and got stranded in the forested area throughout the night. Pritishs farmer and others were sleeping when the mishap occurred. It was near Angul station that the family realised that Pritish was missing. Then they alerted senior officials regarding the incident. A driver of a goods train alerted Railway Protection Force (RPF) on Wednesday after spotting Pritish lying near the railway tracks, presuming it to be a dead body. Later, the search team found Pritish lying on the spot in a terrified manner. The boy was then rescued by the RPF and admitted to the nearest hospital. Later, his family members reached the spot and took him to Bhubaneswar.
Odisha's unemployment rate at 3.9%, situation worse in urban areas: Govt
Odisha had an unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent, which was higher than the national average of 3.2 per cent, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain told the assembly on Friday. In a written reply to BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo, Swain said Odisha was in the 21st position among all states and Union Territories in the unemployment rate as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2022-23 conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). While the unemployment rate in the state's rural areas was 3.6 per cent, it was 6.2 per cent in the urban areas, he said. There were 11,04,229 youths -- 3,86,699 females and 7,17,530 males, who registered themselves with different employment exchanges in the state till May 31, 2024, he added. The highest number of 1,37,986 people registered at the special employment exchange for SC/ST. A total of 57,855 people registered with the employment exchange in Puri, followed by 54,001 people with the exchange in Berhampur in .
