UGC sets up panel to probe twin suicides
NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Friday set up a four-member fact finding committee to examine the two suicides which took place within four months at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneshwar. The panel will take steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents. It has been given a ten days to submit its report. An order issued by the UGC said, In view of the consecutive suicide incidents at KIIT, Bhubaneshwar on February 16, 2025, and May 1, 2025, the UGC as the regulatory body, has decided to constitute a fact-finding committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the incidents and ensure compliance with student welfare and safety regulations and further suggest measures to prevent such incidents.
UGC sets up fact-finding committee to look into KIIT-Bhubaneswar student suicides
Following consecutive student suicides at KIIT-Bhubaneshwar, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has formed a fact-finding committee. Chaired by Prof. Nageshwar Rao, the panel will investigate the incidents, including the recent death of a Nepalese student, and propose preventive measures. The UGC has requested the committee to submit its report within ten days.
Nepal launches diplomatic initiatives to probe death of another student at Odisha's KIIT
BHUBANESHWAR: Nepal has launched diplomatic initiatives to probe the death of an 18-year-old student from the Himalayan nation at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha's Bhubaneswar, hours after she was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her hostel room. The incident comes barely two-and-a-half months after Prakriti Lamsal, another Nepalese student of the same institute, died by suicide on February 16 . The incident of Prisa Sah, a Nepali student studying at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha, India, being found dead in her hostel room has left us deeply saddened. I pray for the eternal peace of Prisa's soul and express my deepest condolences to her family at this sad hour, Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba said in a post on X. () pic.twitter.com/ojPdVadvXI Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba (@Arzuranadeuba) May 2, 2025 Immediately after the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated diplomatic initiatives to investigate the truth of the incident through high-ranking officials of the Government of India, the Government of Odisha, and the Embassy of Nepal in Delhi, she said. Ambassador of Nepal to India, Shankar P Sharma, said authorities are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Odisha government, police and the university for a thorough investigation. Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Nepali student Prisha Sah, found in her hostel room at KIIT, Odisha. Heartfelt condolences to her family. Prayers for eternal peace. We are closely coordinating with MEA, Odisha Govt., police & the university for a thorough investigation, Sharma said in a post on X. Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Nepali student Prisha Sah, found in her hostel room at KIIT, Odisha. Heartfelt condolences to her family. Prayers for eternal peace. We are closely coordinating with MEA, Odisha Govt., police & the university for a thorough investigation. pic.twitter.com/ae8X3ZlZwQ Dr. Shankar P Sharma (@DrShankarSharma) May 2, 2025 The body of the B.Tech computer science student from Nepal was recovered from room number 111 of the ladies hostel of the institute on Thursday evening, a senior officer said. It seems that she has died by suicide at the ladies hostel of KIIT, Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh told PTI. The deceased's parents will reach Bhubaneswar on Friday, and after that post-mortem examination of the body will be conducted, Singh said, adding that her body has been sent to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The police commissioner, who visited the ladies' hostel, also said an unnatural death (UD) case has been registered. The fresh case comes from the same hostel and same floor, another officer said. However, the police have not recovered any suicide note from the possession of the deceased. We have not got any such note, but the scientific team has been searching her room, Sharma said. While the Odisha government expressed grief over the incident and termed it unfortunate, the KIIT was yet to make any comment. The death of the Nepalese student in February had triggered protests after reports suggested that the victim was allegedly blackmailed, and she ended her life for not getting justice from the private university authorities. There was an outcry on the KIIT campus as the institute authorities, with the help of staffers and security personnel, had allegedly assaulted Nepalese students who demanded justice for the deceased. The Nepalese students were forcibly evicted from the campus and asked to leave for their country. Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli had raised the issue at the diplomatic level and urged the central government to ensure justice for Nepalese students of the institute. The Odisha government had subsequently formed a high-level committee, headed by the additional chief secretary of the Home Department, to probe into the matter. The NHRC also investigated the incident. At least 10 university employees were arrested on charge of assaulting Nepalese students, and an Indian student was sent to jail for abetting the suicide of the Nepalese girl.
Mortal remains of victims of Pahalgam terror attack return to their homes
The aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, has brought immense sorrow to families and communities across India. As the mortal remains of the victims were flown back to their hometowns, the grief of the loss was felt across the nation. The journey of these fallen individuals, from the places of death to their final resting places, serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the tragedy that struck innocent lives. The mortal remains of Manish Ranjan, a section officer with the Intelligence Bureau (IB), reached Ranchi on Thursday morning. Ranjan, who had travelled to Kashmir with his family for a vacation, was tragically killed in the terror attack. He had been posted in Hyderabad and was on a much-needed break. Upon arrival at Ranchi Airport, the body was solemnly received by local leaders and officials, including Babulal Marandi, the BJP president of Jharkhand. From there, his remains were taken to Jhalda in West Bengals Purulia district, his native place, where his family awaited him for his final rites. Corporal Tage Hailyang, a member of the Indian Air Force from Arunachal Pradesh, also lost his life in the attack. Hailyang had been on vacation in Kashmir with his wife when he was killed. His mortal remains were flown back to Guwahati on a special flight in the early hours of Thursday. Assams Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah was present at the Air Force base to receive the body and pay tribute to the brave soldier. Hailyangs wife, who survived the attack,accompanied his remains. From Guwahati, his body was to be transported to his native village in Lower Subansiri district for the final rites, surrounded by loved ones and the local community. The father-son duo from Gujarat, Yatish Parmar and his son Smit, had travelled to Kashmir to attend the spiritual discourse of Morari Bapu. Their journey, meant to bring peace and insight, ended in a devastating tragedy. Their mortal remains were brought back to Ahmedabad from Mumbai, where they had been flown after the attack. Gujarats Health Minister Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State for Health Harsh Sanghavi were among those who paid floral tributes at the airport. From there, the bodies were transported to Bhavnagar for the last rites, where Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is expected to attend the funeral. Suresh Kalathiya, a victim from Surat, also suffered an immense loss. Kalathiya had gone to Pahalgam with his wife and two children for a holiday, but the terror attack turned their lives upside down. Kalathiya, who had recently moved to Mumbai for work, was among those killed while his family survived the brutal assault. His mortal remains were brought back to Surat from Mumbai on Wednesday night, where they were received by Union Minister CR Paatil and other local dignitaries. Kalathiyas family, including his wife and children, also returned to Surat with the body. His final rites are set to be held in Surat, where his community and loved ones will gather to pay their respects. From Pune, the remains of victims Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Ganbote, two tourists who had been holidaying in Kashmir with their families, were returned to their hometowns. The bodies of both men were flown back to Pune early on Thursday morning, where Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol was present to receive them at the airport. Jagdale, who ran an interior design business, and Ganbote, a farsan entrepreneur, had travelled to Kashmir to enjoy a rare vacation away from their busy lives. The families of both men were left reeling from the loss, their last rites were held at the Vaikunth Crematorium later that morning. Ganbote and Jagdale were close friends, and Jagdale often helped with the marketing of Ganbote's products. Prashant Satapathy, a victim from Odisha, also received a tribute from the states Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who met the mortal remains at Bhubaneshwar Airport. The body was sent to Satapathys native village, where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is expected to attend the funeral rites. The state leaders condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the grieving families, emphasizing the need for strong action against the perpetrators. The government, political leaders, and citizens alike have come together to mourn the victims. The terror attack has left a deep scar, but the nations collective response serves as a reminder of the shared grief and determination to stand against terrorism.
DRDO successfully conducts release trials of glide bomb Gaurav
BHUBANESHWAR: India successfully conducted release trials of long range glide bomb (LRGB) 'Gaurav' from a fighter aircraft paving its early deployment for engagement of targets from outside the range of standard anti-aircraft defences. Defence sources said a series of tests of the LRGB was carried out from frontline aircraft Sukhoi-30MKI in last three days. The weapon was integrated to multiple stations in different warhead configurations, with land targets on the island. Developed by DRDO, Gaurav is among the newly developed precision guided bombs that has a range of 30 km to 150 km. The trials successfully demonstrated the glide bombs range close to 100 km with pinpoint accuracy, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement. DRDO has developed two glide bombs - Gaurav and Gautham. While the winged version of LRGB Gaurav weighs around 1,000 kg, the non-winged Gautham weighs 550 kg. With a diameter of 0.6 mentre, both the bombs are four metre long and the wingspan of Gaurav is 3.4 metre. Designed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Research Centre Imarat and Integrated Test Range (ITR), the glide bombs use an inertial navigation system with satellite guidance and digital control for accuracy. Senior officials of DRDO and Indian Air Force (IAF) participated and reviewed these trials. The weapon system has been produced with the support of development cum production partners Adani Defence Systems and Technologies, Bharat Forge and various MSMEs. Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) contributed towards certification and quality assurance. The trials will pave the way towards induction of the weapon into the IAF, the MoD said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, IAF and industry for successful development trials of LRGB Gaurav. He said the development of the LRGBs will further enhance the capabilities of the armed forces.
Customs officials at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneshwar confiscated a variety of exotic wildlife, including king snakes, monitor lizards, and turtles, hidden in chocolate boxes. These animals were smuggled from Bangkok to Chennai. A tip-off led to the search and seizure. The species, intended for sale in Tamil Nadu, were handed over to the forest department.
India's first homegrown aerosol lidar to help IMD accurately predict weather, air pollution
BHUBANESHWAR: In a major technological breakthrough, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed India's first indigenous aerosol lidar, which will help in climate monitoring and significantly enhance air pollution detection. An aerosol lidar system uses light detection and ranging (lidar) to remotely sense and profile atmospheric aerosols, providing information on their concentration, distribution, and properties, crucial for studying their impact on climate and air quality. Developed by the Dehradun-based Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), a unit of DRDO, this aerosol lidar is the second of its kind in the world and a major import substitute, being cheaper and more compact. India, currently the third most polluted country in the world, has long needed advanced tools to monitor aerosols, air pollutants, and atmospheric changes. The new aerosol lidar will fill this crucial gap and allow the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to analyse the vertical distribution of aerosols and clouds. Director general (electronics and communication systems) of DRDO Binay Kumar Das handed over the cutting-edge system to IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward self-reliance in advanced environmental monitoring technologies. These lidars will help in weather monitoring, forecasting, atmospheric research, climate change assessments and pollution control mechanisms. The first lidar is being installed at IMD observatory, Ranichauri in Uttarakhand, said Mohapatra. The newly developed aerosol lidar is a combination of Mie, depolarisation and Raman channels with high energy fixed laser wavelength and large aperture receiver telescope, which is useful for vertical profiling of atmospheric parameters. Mie and Depolarisation channels can characterise the aerosols and clouds in terms of height of occurrence, shape and optical properties up to an altitude of 20 km, while Raman channel can provide the information on water vapour mixing ratio up to 5 km. The lidar system provides critical data on aerosol concentration at different altitudes, cloud properties and water vapor distribution that are crucial fo weather and rainfall predictions, besides the ice crystal cloud detection at high altitudes, which will help in lightning forecasting. Until now, India's air quality monitoring primarily relied on surface-level sensor and satellite-based observations. Though IMD has a sky radiometer network which provides the columnar load of aerosol, it lacked detailed vertical distribution data. This missing information had made it challenging to accurately estimate radiative forcing, a key component in climate change studies. With aerosol lidar, IMD will now have access to high-resolution, real-time vertical data. Its deployment will strengthen our position in atmospheric research and contribute to better environmental strategies. It will also eliminate India's reliance on expensive imported lidar technology, said Das. The aerosol lidar costs Rs 1.25 crore and weighs around 270 kg as compared to the 400-kg atmospheric lidar manufactured by Athens-based Raymetrics. The Greece lidar costs Rs 5.5 crore. IRDE director Ajay Kumar was present along with senior officers from IMD and the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
BHUBANESHWAR, Feb 3: The Rail Budget 2025 marks a new era for Odishas railway infrastructure, ushering in unprecedented growth, modernization, and connectivity, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday. He stated that ongoing projects and future investments will strengthen Odishas position as a key player in Indias railway network while significantly contributing to regional economic growth. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Vaishnaw unveiled key highlights of the 2025 Rail Budget for Odisha via video conferencing from New Delhi. [] The post Rail Budget 2025: A new era for Railway infrastructure, modernization, and connectivity in Odisha Vaishnaw appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
The Indian Diaspora Role in Foreign Policy
By Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Giri Over 3000 delegates from 70 countries arrived in Odisha for the celebration of PravasiBharatiya Divas (PBD). This is the 18th edition of PBD taking place on 8th& 9th January in the temple city of Bhubaneshwar, with the theme Diasporas Contribution to a Viksit Bharat. The President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo was the Chief Guest of the event. Dr. DevPragad, the CEO and Co-Founder of the NewsWeek was the guest [] The post The Indian Diaspora Role in Foreign Policy appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Indian diaspora makes outstanding contributions to India and the world: Jaishankar
BHUBANESHWAR, Jan 10 : The Indian diaspora has made remarkable contributions to both India and the world in diverse fields, driven by their immense talent, creativity, dedication, commitment, and perseverance, Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said. From holding political offices and leading organizations to excelling in various fields and walks of life, they have left an indelible mark on global society, the External Affairs Minister stated during the valedictory function of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention held here [] The post Indian diaspora makes outstanding contributions to India and the world: Jaishankar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
India-Singapore to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations with series of high-level visits
NEW DELHI: India and Singapore are celebrating their 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year with a series of high-level visits. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will be visiting India. Singapore, often referred to as Indias window to the East, is also one of the largest sources of Foreign Direct Investment for India. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's upcoming visit to New Delhi and Odisha from January 14 to 18 will mark the first time in the past decade for a Singaporean president to visit India The visit underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, both diplomatically and economically. One of the two pacts on the table is on skilling in the semiconductors sector in Odisha as both sides will embark on a course to step up their economic ties and air connectivity. The pact will help India get support from Singapore in the areas of semi-conductor fundamentals, processes, packaging and testing. The two countries are also looking at increasing the annual investment from existing 12 billion USD to 20 billion USD, diplomatic sources said. Besides meeting President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he is likely to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Health Minister J P Nadda, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development Jayant Chaudhary. He will also travel to Bhubaneshwar and meet Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. He will also visit the Konark temple. India-Singapore relations were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit in September 2024. Skill centre projects, supported by both public and private sectors, have been completed in six states: Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Assam, Odisha, and Telangana.
PM Modi Flags Off Pravasi Bharatiya Express, Highlights Peaceful Future: PBD 2025 Updates
Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on January 8, 2025. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a significant event jointly organized by the central government and the Odisha state government, will continue its celebrations and activities through January 10. PM Modi was warmly welcomed at the Bhubaneswar airport by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In his address, he emphasized the importance of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in strengthening ties between India and its diaspora. As part of the event, PM Modi also flagged off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, further symbolizing the strengthening of ties between the Indian government and its diaspora.The special train will embark on its three-week-long journey from the Nizamuddin railway station in Delhi, marking the beginning of an exciting and enriching experience. Over the course of this journey, the train will visit a variety of destinations across India, each known for its significant cultural, religious, and tourist value. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore renowned pilgrimage sites, historical landmarks, and picturesque destinations, creating a unique travel experience that blends spirituality with the beauty of Indias diverse landscapes. M Modi remarked, Over the years, this event has evolved into a vital platform that plays a crucial role in strengthening the connection between India and its diaspora around the world. He further noted the joyous atmosphere surrounding upcoming festivals like Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu, which are being celebrated across the country. Highlighting the significance of the occasion, PM Modi reminded attendees that January 9 marked the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India in 1915 after years abroad. This years Pravasi Bharatiya Divas holds special meaning as we gather just after celebrating the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose vision greatly influenced this program, he added. During his speech, the Prime Minister shared his belief that the future lies not in conflict but in peace, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Buddha. His message echoed his ongoing commitment to fostering global peace and unity. Jaishankar Engages with Mauritius Officials During Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneshwar On the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneshwar, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a significant meeting with Mauritius' Minister Mahendra Gondeea and Deputy Minister Hambyrajen Narsinghen. This productive interaction highlights the strengthening of ties between India and Mauritius, fostering deeper collaboration and diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The Odisha government has planned numerous cultural events for the delegates, including the Rajarani Music Festival, International Odissi Dance Festival, and Food Festival. Guests can also enjoy the Adivasi Mela, Bird Festival in Chilika, Beach Festival in Puri, and light and sound shows at Dhauli and Konark. President Murmu is all set to present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards to honor the achievements of diaspora members across various fields. The chief guest, Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo, address the convention virtually. This edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas serves as a powerful reminder of the cultural and historical connection that unites India with its overseas community, celebrating shared values and a collective future.
