Vatican City Recreated in Bhubaneswar: Rasulgarh Puja Pandal Stuns Devotees This Dussehra
Bhubaneswar is witnessing a grand celebration this Dussehra as the popular Rasulgarh Durga Puja Committee unveils its stunning thematic pandal replicating Romes iconic Vatican City. Known for pushing creative boundaries with massive architectural replicas, the committee has once again drawn massive crowds to the capital city. Architectural Marvel & Artisan Craftsmanship The grand Vatican City [] The post Vatican City Recreated in Bhubaneswar: Rasulgarh Puja Pandal Stuns Devotees This Dussehra appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha: Forest Department clerk, two associates arrested in Rs 65.90 lakh fraud
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 18 (IANS) The Odisha Vigilance on Sunday arrested a senior clerk of the Forest Department and two of his associates in Dhenkanal district on charges of misappropriating government funds amounting to Rs 65,90,773 over a period spanning 2016 to 2026. The accused were identified as Sujit Kumar Jena, Senior Clerk at the office of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Dhenkanal, his associates Soumya Ranjan Behera (a forest department Staff) and Rashmi Ranjan Swain. The agency, in a statement on Sunday, described the arrest of the trio in connection with the Rs 65.90 lakh embezzlement case as a major breakthrough. According to the official statement, following a comprehensive verification spanning transactions from 2016 to 2026, the Vigilance sleuths unearthed a systematic pattern of fraud. It also added that the investigation revealed that the prime accused, Jena, exploited his administrative access to siphon off public funds into private bank accounts belonging to himself, his family members, and co-conspirators. Salaries intended for dismissed and absconding employees, retiring employees' arrear bills, provisional pensions, government allocations meant for establishment pay bills, contingency expenses, staff arrear salaries, and fraudulent Travelling Allowance (T.A.) claims were unlawfully routed out of public funds by Jena, said the agency. During the course of the investigation, the police found that Rs 8,72,520 had been transferred to the bank account of Jenas mother, Rs 10,48,866 to Soumya Ranjan Behera, staff member (Elephant Squad, Sadar Range), and Rs 8,86,193 to close associate Rashmi Ranjan Swain. After the crime was exposed, the trio evaded arrest for an extended period. Odisha Vigilance successfully tracked their movements through technical intelligence and mobile location monitoring, resulting in their apprehension, Odisha Vigilance added. A case (40/26) has been registered in this regard at the Kataka Vigilance Police Station under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and relevant sections of BNS against the prime accused Jena and his associates, Swain, and Behera. They were forwarded to the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Dhenkanal, on Sunday.
Braj Mohan Ram Sworn In as Odisha Governor; Orissa HC Chief Justice Harish Tandon Administers Oath
Senior BJP leader and former Parliamentarian Braj Mohan Ram was officially sworn in as the 44th Governor of Odisha on Sunday during a solemn ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. Orissa High Court Chief Justice Harish Tandon administered the oath of office and secrecy to Ram, who donned traditional attire as he took the [] The post Braj Mohan Ram Sworn In as Odisha Governor; Orissa HC Chief Justice Harish Tandon Administers Oath appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Durga Puja trip turns fatal, 2 killed in accident
Man held for poisoning wife over dowry
Youth electrocuted while repairing light
MKCG med college collects 1,000 pieces of clothes for needy
Man gets 20 yrs jail term for kidnapping, raping minor
Union min Shah lauds ABVPs performance in student union polls
Odisha seek revival against Kerala after Gujarat setback
9-hr chase helps Odisha vigilance nab irrigation engineer in bribery case, Rs 21L seized
DRI seizes hydroponic weed worth Rs 1.85crore at Bhubaneswar airport, 4 detained
Hydroponic Cannabis Worth Rs 1.85 Crore Seized at Bhubaneswar Airport, Four Detained
Initially, nothing suspicious was detected in the fourth passengers baggage.
Andhras panchayat polls bring Kotia dispute back into focus
New Odisha Governor Arrives In Bhubaneswar, To Take Oath On Sunday
Braj Mohan Ram identifies unemployment, healthcare, education and farmers concerns as key priorities
Amazonian wonder giant water lily blooms at Lok Seva Bhawan
Odisha Vigilance seizes over Rs 21.88 lakh cash from superintending engineer
Odisha Vigilance has seized unaccounted suspected ill-gotten cash amounting to Rs 21.88 lakh from a superintending engineer following a late-night interception in Bhubaneswar and subsequent searches at his rented flat and paternal house, Odisha Vigilance said on Saturday. According to Odisha Vigilance, Prasanjit Das, Superintending Engineer, Mahanadi Northern Division, Jagatpur, Cuttack, was intercepted near AG Chowk in Bhubaneswar late on Friday night while travelling in his officially hired vehicle. The action was taken following a tip-off regarding the alleged collection of bribes from various contractors. During the interception, Vigilance officials recovered Rs 7,28,620 in suspected unaccounted cash from Das
PM Modi to inaugurate RBIs data centre in Bhubaneswar on Oct 25
Odisha Revenue Dept Reshuffles 6 OAS-A(JB) Officers Across Districts
The Government of Odishas Revenue and Disaster Management Department has executed an administrative reshuffle involving six OAS-A (JB) officers. According to Notification No. 42736/R&DM, the officers have been transferred and assigned new duties across various districts in the state. As per the official order, Adyasa Tripathy has been posted as Additional Tehsildar in Bhubaneswar, Sara [] The post Odisha Revenue Dept Reshuffles 6 OAS-A(JB) Officers Across Districts appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha Welcomes Newly Appointed Governor Braj Mohan Ram in Bhubaneswar
Newly appointed Odisha Governor Brajmohan Ram arrived in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, marking a significant transition in the states constitutional leadership. Upon landing at the airport, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker warmly welcomed the Governor. Several members of the Council of Ministers, along with the Chief Secretary and senior administrative [] The post Odisha Welcomes Newly Appointed Governor Braj Mohan Ram in Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Dark, foul-smelling water in Karo river raises alarm in Barbil
Safe puja: Forest div plans steps to keep monkeys at bay
Corporator Bandita Pal ends her 10-day hunger strike and 17-day dharna after CM Mohan Charan Majhi directs construction of a Ward Office, Senior Citizen Home and Mission Shakti building on government land in Ward 37, Bhubaneswar. The post Bhubaneswar Corporator Bandita Pal Breaks Hunger Strike as Govt Clears Disputed Plot for Ward Office and Community Centres appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Centre approves Rs 240.5cr investment for Cuttack ITI Cluster
Odisha Felicitates Indian Hockey Teams: Rs 5.61 Crore Reward Announced
The Odisha Government felicitated the Asian Games gold-winning Indian men's and women's hockey teams in Bhubaneswar, awarding a total of 5.61 crore in cash prizes. The post Odisha Felicitates Indian Hockey Teams: Rs 5.61 Crore Reward Announced appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha fire services urges electrical safety checks at Durga Puja pandals
BMC to ensure employment letters to safai karmacharis
Bharat Rakshaya Mancha Holds Shastra Pujan At Ram Mandir In Bhubaneswar
Youths showcase martial arts and self-defence skills; leaders stress cultural pride
ABVP wins Utkal University president post after 4 decades
SPCB directs civic bodies to enforce eco-friendly Durga Puja
Odisha to Deploy Panchayat-Level Sirens
Odisha is set to rollout a comprehensive, multi-layered Lightning Safety Strategy designed to drastically reduce fatalities and property damage across the state. The roadmap emerged at the conclusion of the two-day National Lightning Safety Workshop organized by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) at Hotel Lemon Tree Premier in Bhubaneswar. Bringing together top scientists, [] The post Odisha to Deploy Panchayat-Level Sirens & AI Warnings to Prevent Lightning Deaths appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Self-breast examination booth inaugurated at city AIIMS
2 migrant workers die in Guntur
Odisha guv-designate to reach today, likely to take oath on Oct 18
CM approves honorarium for sarpanches, naib sarpanches
Nine persons arrested for cultivating ganja
SC declines to interfere against HC reprieve to ex-min in Mahanga double murder case
Bait bomb made in neighbouring Deogarh with goat skin
Man feared dead after croc drags him into river
Over 5,000 Odias celebrate Nuakhai Bhetghat in Bengaluru
Campus battle turns into larger political contest in Odisha
Hit-and-Run in Bhubaneswar: Speeding Car Hits 50-Year-Old Man in Nayapalli
A hit-and-run incident was reported from the Nayapalli area of Bhubaneswar, leaving a 50-year-old man critically injured. The victim was hit by a speeding car while attempting to cross the road after purchasing sweets from a local shop. The impact of the collision threw the pedestrian to the ground, while the car driver sped away [] The post Hit-and-Run in Bhubaneswar: Speeding Car Hits 50-Year-Old Man in Nayapalli appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) has invited eligible candidates to attend a Walk-in Interview for 6 vacancies, including Consultant and Field Assistant posts. The walk-in interview will be held on 22 October 2026 at Committee Room of the Dean of Research, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar. Candidates should report at 10:00 AM. Further details are available at ouat.ac.in.
Odisha to build 2.92L more houses under Antyodaya Gruha Yojana
Similipal Tiger Reserve to reopen for tourists on Nov 1
BCJDs early win claim at Rama Devi sparks chaos
52000 cannabis plants destroyed in Boudh dist
Excise raids seize illicit liquor, drugs worth Rs 5.1cr in festive season
Odisha govt extends Antyodaya Gruha Yojana by two years, targets more houses
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 15 (IANS) The Odisha government has decided to construct an additional 2,91,666 houses under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana and extend the scheme by two years until 2029 from the earlier deadline of 2027. According to an official statement by the Chief Ministers Office (CMO), the crucial decision to construct more houses under the AGY scheme and its extension was taken by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Speaking on the occasion, CM Majhi said, The goal of providing housing for everyone in the state will be achieved soon. The CMO office further informed that the total project outlay of Rs 7,550 crore will remain unchanged. However, Rs 3,500 crore earmarked for the repair component of the scheme will now be used for the construction of new houses. It was noted that the beneficiaries who have received Rs 48,500 or less under the scheme, along with other eligible households, will be considered for assistance under the scheme. The Odisha Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department has been directed to conduct a survey soon to identify new beneficiaries. The Odisha government has also revised the incentives for completing houses within the stipulated period. Beneficiaries who complete construction within five months will now receive an incentive of Rs 35,000, against the earlier Rs 20,000 for completing it within four months. Similarly, those completing houses within seven months will receive Rs 20,000, compared with the earlier incentive of Rs 10,000 for completing construction within six months. Majhi said the changes in the scheme announced on Thursday will enable more people to benefit from the scheme. The scheme initially aimed to construct houses for five lakh families, particularly poor and vulnerable households that are not found eligible for assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Notably, the scheme aims to provide pucca houses to eligible households left out of existing housing schemes, victims of natural or man-made calamities, families displaced by development projects, households where a person with disabilities is the main earning member, and beneficiaries under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). Under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana (Special), beneficiaries of rural housing schemes are also given incentives for completing their houses early.
ABVP, BCJD share early spoils in college polls
Death toll rises to 2 in Jajpur LPG cylinder blast case
Fire services find 74% of buildings fail safety norms, issue 3.4k notices
Man injured in wild boar attack in Ganjam
HC denies bail to 3 cops in 2017 custodial death case
Man gets 2 yrs jail for cheating farmer
Expect dry Durga Puja as monsoon retreats from state
Odisha retains paper ballots for panchayat, EVMs for urban polls
Hockey Odisha welcomes Del HC order referring Tirkeys plea to grievance panel
Phulbani med college hosp set to open in phases by March
Rourkela gears up for Durga Puja with 109 committees, safety steps
Vendor arrested for stabbing man in Rourkela
Ekamra Walks to return from Oct 17 with spl Dussehra, UMI trails
CM hosts next-gen industrialists at Kalinganagar meet
Ekamra Walks 10th Edition Begins Oct 17: Special Dussehra
Bhubaneswar is set to unveil its rich tapestry of heritage, nature, and modern urban design as the Heritage Cell of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) launches the 10th edition of Ekamra Walks on October 17. Coinciding with the festive spirit of Durga Puja, this flagship guided initiative invites both residents and global visitors to experience [] The post Ekamra Walks 10th Edition Begins Oct 17: Special Dussehra & UMI Trails appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Minister Suresh Pujari Inaugurates OSDMA
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari inaugurated OSDMA's National Workshop on Lightning Safety in Bhubaneswar, emphasizing preparedness, early warning systems, and risk reduction strategies. The post Minister Suresh Pujari Inaugurates OSDMAs National Workshop on Lightning Safety appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha Commemorates Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 as ICAR-CIWA Empowers Women Farmers
In alignment with the global observance of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, the ICARCentral Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR-CIWA) commemorated Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas today in Bhubaneswar. The convention brought together over 250 participantsranging from progressive women farmers, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, and Women Farmer Producer Organizations (WFPOs) to agricultural scientists [] The post Odisha Commemorates Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 as ICAR-CIWA Empowers Women Farmers appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
RIE Bhubaneswar Hosts Capacity Building Programme on NEP 2020
A three-day Capacity Building Programme on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 concluded at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Bhubaneswar. Organized by the Department of Curriculum Studies & Development (DCS&D), NCERT, New Delhi, in collaboration with RIE Bhubaneswar, the event brought together 51 nodal principals [] The post RIE Bhubaneswar Hosts Capacity Building Programme on NEP 2020 & NCF-SE 2023 appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
BCJD state president detained amid tension at Rama Devi University
Orissa HC launches mobile vans for witness testimonies
ABVP Dominates Odisha Campus Polls: Key Wins Reported Across Sambalpur, Anugola, and Bhubaneswar
Counting for the long-awaited student union elections concluded across universities and degree colleges in Odisha on Thursday, with early results highlighting a strong showing by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) across multiple major campuses, even as isolated incidents of campus unrest, vandalism, and clashes surfaced in various districts. Key ABVP Victories Across the State [] The post ABVP Dominates Odisha Campus Polls: Key Wins Reported Across Sambalpur, Anugola, and Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha Student Union Elections: Voting Wraps Up Successfully with Results Set for Evening
Polling for student union elections across colleges and universities in Odisha concluded peacefully on Wednesday, ending an eight-year hiatus. Twin-city Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh confirmed that the voting process in Bhubaneswar and Kataka finished without any major disruptions. Polling began at 8 AM and continued until 2 PM across roughly 344 to 346 [] The post Odisha Student Union Elections: Voting Wraps Up Successfully with Results Set for Evening appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Campus elections took a contentious turn in Bhubaneswar as Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) President Ipsita Sahu was picked up by police from the Rama Devi Womens University campus on Thursday while student union voting was underway. Her detention triggered immediate counter-protests from supporting girl students outside the university premises. Allegations and FIR Details The [] The post BCJD President Ipsita Sahu Detained by Police from Rama Devi University Campus During Election Voting appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its probe into the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) Recruitment Exam 2024 question paper leak, uncovering evidence of organized financial fraud and corporate collusion. Investigators from the EDs Bhubaneswar zonal office conducted raids across 12 strategic locations in Odisha and West Bengal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), [] The post Odisha SI Exam Paper Leak: ED Raids 12 Locations in Money Laundering Probe, Uncovers Corporate Racket appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Govt draws draft lightning safety SOP, action plan
NITR researchers develop low cost material from jackfruit peel
Minister Harichandan Reviews Pre-Dussehra Road Repair Drive in Twin Cities
With Dussehra just around the corner, Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan chaired a high-level review meeting to assess road repair work across the twin cities of Kataka and Bhubaneswar and surrounding areas. Officials reported that most damaged stretches have already been fixed, drawing appreciation from attending MLAs who thanked the state government and the Works Department [] The post Minister Harichandan Reviews Pre-Dussehra Road Repair Drive in Twin Cities appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Temple opens for 11 days during Navratri
Cops rescue 7-year-old from NH-16, reunite with family
Cockroaches trying to derail country, says CM, unveils 39k-cr projects
Repair damaged roads in twin cities in 2 days: Min to officials
38 SOA researchers in Stanfords worlds top 2% scientists list
Will work to strengthen party in Odisha: Guv-designates remark sparks row, oppn slams BJP
Pradhan writes to Gadkari, seeks infra to boost NH-49 safety
BDA to adjust application fee with flat cost
Odisha: ED uncovers organised network behind SI exam paper leak
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 (IANS) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bhubaneswar Zonal Office, has conducted a search operation at 12 premises located in Odisha and West Bengal between October 9, 10 and 12, in connection with the leakage of the question paper of the Sub Inspector Recruitment Exam-2024 in Odisha, the agency informed on Wednesday. The searches were carried out at the premises of M/s Silicon Techlab Private Limited, M/s Panchsoft Technologies Private Limited, M/s PSIL International Limited, their directors and other associates. During the searches, the ED sleuths unearthed and seized various incriminating documents, electronic devices and records under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The seized materials are under further examination. The case dates back to October 2025, when Odisha Police registered an FIR after intercepting three buses carrying 114 SI recruitment candidates near Ichhapuram on September 30 last year. The case was later taken over by the CBI. Candidates were also allegedly asked to pay Rs 15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh each for leaked question papers. The exam was scheduled for October 56, 2025, the ED said. The ED found that the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) assigned the examination to Central PSU ITI Limited, which subsequently outsourced the work to Bhubaneswar-based Silicon Techlab Private Limited (STPL). However, STPL, through its director Suresh Chandra Nayak, allegedly sublet the work of handling sensitive candidate information to Panchsoft Technology Private Limited without the written permission of ITI Limited, in connivance with Panchsoft Technologys director Sankar Prusty. Subsequently, the persons linked with Silicon Techlab and Sankar Prusty approached the candidates and lured them with the promise of providing the confidential information of the exam paper in place of money and mobilised them, the ED noted. The sleuths came across a set of transactions between accused Prusty and STPL even before the commencement of the SI Recruitment Exam-2024 process, which shows their connivance. It is also revealed that PSIL International Limited (formerly Patnaik Steel International Limited) and its directors, Sameer Rath and wife Saswati Mishra, acquired a majority stake in Silicon Techlab under a purported share purchase agreement dated August 5, 2023, which is under further examination. Investigation revealed that the said agreement was never submitted before the Registrar of Companies by either of the two companies, ED stated. The agency found that despite PSIL directors acquiring a controlling stake and management control of STPL, Nayak remained its director and corresponded with ITI Limited on the SI examination without authorisation. Despite knowing that Nayak was handling the examination work without authorisation, Sameer Rath and Swasti Mishra did not inform ITI Limited. Subsequently, Nayak unauthorisedly accessed the examination papers. Investigations and searches conducted so far have unearthed the role of companies/entities which have so far remained outside the investigative net of agencies. Further, searches have also revealed the possible role of other persons, including those associated with OPRB & other companies/ entities. Such entities are intricately linked with the entire examination cycle, ED added. The agency concluded on the basis of evidence collected during searches that the question paper was leaked in an organised manner, generating substantial proceeds of crime through cash collected from candidates.
Odisha govt launches 46 industrial projects worth Rs 39,383 crore
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 46 medium and large industrial projects worth Rs 39,383 crore across 14 districts of the state, describing the event as a golden chapter in Odishas second industrial revolution. According to the officials, the industrial projects, launched at an event in the Kalinganagar area of Jajpur district on Wednesday, are expected to generate 42,512 jobs. Addressing the gathering during the event, Majhi said, The launch of industrial projects across Odisha on this auspicious day marked a golden chapter in the state's second industrial revolution. Before our government came to power, industrial investment had remained merely a slogan and a means of publicity. But we have translated every Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) into reality, built factories, started production and succeeded in employing our Odia sons and daughters. He said Odisha is at the centre of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Purvodaya vision and the state government aimed to build a Samruddha Odisha by expanding its economy to $500 billion over the next 10 years. Majhi also said Odishas second position in the country in attracting investments, according to a NITI Aayog index, reflected the industrys confidence in the state. The projects inaugurated and launched on Wednesday are spread across Anugola, Bargada, Baleshwar, Boudh, Kataka, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Kendujhar, Khordha, Mayurbhanj, Puri, Sambalpur and Sundargada districts. The Chief Minister said industrial development should not remain confined to a few districts only. He noted that in less than two years, the government has laid the foundation stones for or inaugurated 151 projects involving investments of more than Rs 3.11 lakh crore, opening up employment opportunities for over 2.4 lakh young people. With the latest projects launched on Wednesday, the total value of projects grounded in the state has crossed Rs 3.5 lakh crore, Majhi added. CM Majhi also informed that the government has been giving priority to labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and garments, food processing and pharmaceuticals to stop distress migration of youths to outside the state for jobs. He also urged industries to provide more employment opportunities for women in sectors such as textiles, electronics and IT services. The Chief Minister said the government was providing support to investors throughout the project life cycle, from proposal submission to project implementation. So far, 560 industrial proposals involving investments of more than Rs 12.07 lakh crore have been approved, with the potential to generate around seven lakh jobs, he said. Taking a swipe at the opposition, Majhi said that while opposition parties were busy with politics, his government was focused on Odishas progress and development.
Keonjhar boy killed in elephant attack
Odisha: Celebrities Join 5-Km Run To Raise Awareness On ADHD
Abhisht Charitable Trust organised a 5-km run in Bhubaneswar as part of ADHD Awareness Month, bringing together celebrities, athletes and caregivers to encourage greater public understanding of the condition.
After 8 years, campuses to go to polls today
Proposed Ayush institute in Khurda shifted to save trees
