Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department conducts roadshow in Bhubaneshwar
Odisha Governor Hari Babu highlights tourism opportunities and collaboration between the two States
Home and Decor expo to be 10-day affair in Bhubaneshwar
BHUBANESWAR: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI)s Odisha chapter is all set to host a 10-day-long Home and Decor Expo-2025 at Janata Maidan here from April 18 to 27. The event will bring together buyers, builders, investors, interior designers and building material companies under one roof and offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest trends in real estate and home decor. CREDAI officials said the expo will cater to the needs of prospective home buyers, real estate investors and industry professionals. It will feature an extensive range of residential and commercial property, smart city developments and luxurious villa projects, and provide an opportunity to the buyers to take informed investment decisions. Over 300 developers are expected to participate in the expo and CREDAIs district chapters from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Balasore and Puri will showcase their most sought-after projects. The expo will give a platform to potential buyers/investors to directly interact with top developers, banks and financial institutions to execute exclusive deals, CREDAI officials said. The event will consist of live demonstrations and interactive exhibits featuring the latest home decor, smart technologies and eco-friendly building solutions. While potential home buyers will get exclusive access to top developers, special pricing and easy financing options, investors can explore high-yielding opportunities in the states rapidly growing market, CREDAI chairman DS Tripathy told mediapersons on Wednesday. Senior members of CREDAI were present in the press meet.
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 .
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.
Odisha Govt. Cracks Down on Illegal Liquor Sales
Bhubaneshwar: Odisha's excise minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Saturday announced strict measures to curb illegal liquor sales and ensure public safety during New Year celebrations. Addressing the media persons in Bhubaneshwar, he emphasised that violations of excise laws and any disruptive activities under the influence of alcohol will attract stern action. The excise department is prioritising two key areas preventing public disturbances caused by intoxicated individuals and cracking down on the sale and distribution of illegal liquor to check illegal liquor sales. With the New Year festivities and Zero Night celebrations approaching, the authorities have intensified preparations, including heightened vigilance and enforcement. Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneshwar has also ramped up checks to maintain law and order during the celebrations. The minister's warning underscores the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and disciplined environment for all revelers. Our government has always stood for containing illegal liquor sales that often lead to disastrous incidents, said BJP state unit spokesperson B.N. Tripathy.
Patient Found Hanging in Orthopedic Ward of AIIMS Bhubaneswar
BHUBANESHWAR: The body of a 70-year-old patient was discovered under mysterious circumstances in the orthopedic ward of AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday night. The patient, identified as Dilip Kumar Sahu from Atalapur village in Jajpur district, was reportedly found hanging from the ceiling fan above his hospital bed. Sahu had been admitted to the orthopedic ward for treatment but was suspected to have taken the drastic step at midnight. The exact circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear, raising questions about patient monitoring and safety protocols within the hospital. Notably, the ward housed 30 patients at the time of the incident, along with 10 AIIMS staff members on duty. Despite the presence of so many individuals, the incident apparently went unnoticed, prompting concerns and criticism about the hospitals vigilance and security measures. The local police seized the body and sent it for a post-mortem examination. While they have refrained from making any official statements regarding the cause of death, investigations are ongoing. Authorities are currently interrogating the deceaseds daughter, nearby patients, and hospital staff to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the incident. Meanwhile, AIIMS Bhubaneswar authorities stated that the definitive cause of death will only be known after the autopsy report is released. They also expressed their condolences to the family and assured full cooperation with the investigation. Further updates on the investigation and the findings of the post-mortem report are awaited as the police continue their probe.
Paradip Port Hits 100 MMT Cargo Milestone for Eighth Consecutive Year
BHUBANESHWAR: Paradip Port Authority (PPA), India's premier major port, has once again demonstrated its prowess by achieving an extraordinary milestone in cargo handling. On Tuesday, the port recorded a remarkable 100.13 MMT (million metric tonnes) of cargo throughput for the eighth consecutive year, reaffirming its position as a leader in the maritime sector. This year, the port accomplished the feat nine days earlier than the previous fiscal year, achieving the coveted 100 MMT mark in just 253 days compared to 262 days in FY 2022-23. This achievement is the fastest in the history of Indian major ports, accomplished despite significant challenges such as reduced global demand for iron ore exports and thermal coal. PPA is now on track to set an all-time high record of handling 150 MMT of cargo in the current fiscal year. The achievement is credited to the port's focus on operational excellence and strategic system improvements. Noteworthy growth was observed across several cargo categories: According to the PPA authorities, iron ore and pellet exports rose by 2.23 per cent year-on-year. Similarly, coastal thermal coal, accounting for over 30 per cent of the total cargo volume, grew by 3.57 per cent. Containerized cargo volume surged by an impressive 123.09 per cent and gypsum and flux handling increased by 26.55 per cent. These figures solidify Paradip Port's emergence as a leading coastal shipping hub in India, catering to diverse industries and fostering economic growth. Chairman of PPA, P.L. Haranadh attributed the success to the visionary leadership and support of Union minister for ports, shipping, and waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Under his guidance and inspiration, PPA has achieved incredible milestones, said Haranadh. He also expressed gratitude to the dedicated workforce, user industries, trade unions, and stevedores for their unwavering contributions. PPA deputy chairman Nilabhra Dasgupta, advisor A.K. Bose, and traffic manager G. Edison joined Haranadh in celebrating this remarkable achievement.
Security agencies should focus on emerging security challenges along eastern border: Shah
BHUBANESHWAR, Nov 29 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said security agencies should focus on emerging security challenges along the eastern border, immigration and trends in urban policing. Inaugurating the annual DGPs/IGPs conference here, which will discuss a host of emerging national security challenges, including counter-terrorism and left-wing extremism, Shah also congratulated the police leadership for the smooth conduct of the 2024 general elections and the seamless rollout of the three new criminal laws. The focus should be [] The post Security agencies should focus on emerging security challenges along eastern border: Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Odisha: PM Modi holds roadshow in Bhubaneshwar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a roadshow in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, after addressing party workers. He criticized the Congress party, accusing them of misleading citizens and plotting against the country. Modi is in Odisha to attend the All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police, focusing on national security issues.
