Odisha CM conducts aerial survey of flood-hit areas, directs faster relief
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 30 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas of Ganjam and Gajapati districts of the state to assess the flood situation and review rescue and relief operations. Heavy downpour caused by the cyclonic storm Arnab has left several villages waterlogged and thousands of people stranded in Ganjam and Gajapati districts. This also caused extensive damage to roads and other infrastructure due to waterlogging and landslides in various areas in South Odisha. Ganjam has reported the highest number of affected people at 42,564, followed by Gajapati with 30,000 and Kandhamal with 12,000. People living in vulnerable and low-lying areas have been evacuated to safer locations, while relief camps have been set up to accommodate those displaced by the floods. In a statement posted on his X handle, CM Majhi stated, I consider the protection of the lives and property of the people of the State during a disaster to be my highest priority. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari also accompanied the Chief Minister during the aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of Ganjam and Gajapati districts. The entire administration is working round the clock to ensure that food, drinking water and essential healthcare services reach the affected people without any disruption. I have directed officials to further expedite relief and rescue operations. Besides, the administration has been instructed to remain fully alert to restore damaged roads, normalise power supply and control post-flood health problems, said Majhi. He further emphasised that the State Government stands firmly by the people and is committed to providing all necessary assistance to those affected by the floods. In this difficult time, your government stands firmly with you. Please have courage, stay in safe places, follow the instructions of the local administration and rescue teams, and extend a helping hand to one another. Together, we will overcome this crisis very soon, CM appealed to the people.
24th instalment of PM-KISAN scheme leaves farmers excited, express gratitude
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 30 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on Friday, transferring more than Rs 18,680 crore directly into the bank accounts of more than 9.34 crore farmer families across the country from Bhildi in Gujarat's Banaskantha district. More than 9 crore farmers became the direct beneficiaries of the scheme, receiving monetary support of Rs 2,000 into their accounts, out of which 52.33 lakh farmer families received assistance exceeding Rs 1,051 crore in Gujarat alone. Gujarat Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani announced these figures while briefing the media, adding that the first 23 instalments of the scheme had resulted in the disbursement of more than Rs 4.47 lakh crore to over 11 crore farmer families across the country. After receiving the 24th instalment of the PM-KISAN in their accounts, farmers expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and stated that this will strengthen their means of livelihood, besides enhancing their ability to experiment with advanced farming practices. Farmers in Ranchi, Jamnagar, Motihari, Jalna, Bhubaneswar, and Patna received the financial aid under the 24th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme. The farming community, which benefited from the 24th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, thanked the government. In Bihars Motihari and East Champaran district, the farmers said that the 2,000 assistance would enable them to purchase seeds for both Rabi and Kharif crops. Another farmer remarked that this would be beneficial for their agricultural activities. Notably, East Champaran became one of the leading districts, where farmers received about 86 crore in financial aid, a sum larger than that received by any other single district. A farmer said that the PM-KISAN assistance provides substantial support to farmers during both the Rabi and Kharif cropping seasons. Patna farmers echoed similar sentiments, stating that the money received under the scheme remains extremely useful in purchasing fertilisers and seeds. A beneficiary thanked the government for removing the middlemen and directly transferring the benefits into their accounts. There is absolutely no role of intermediaries; all farmers get the requisite help for fertilisers and seeds directly from the government. The scheme, in operation since 2019, has proven highly beneficial to the farming community, said another farmer. Ramnath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, joining the event virtually from Ranchi (Jharkhand), said that the funds provide essential support for farmers, helping them tide over crises. A similar event was organised at the Patel Samaj Bhavan in Jamnagar, Gujarat, with a large number of farmers in attendance. Heaping praise on the scheme, they counted the benefits of the scheme and explained how this reduced their dependence on others to procure fertilisers and seeds. One farmer, practising natural farming for the past 15 years, noted that he also got several benefits from his organic farming and was now encouraging others to adopt it. In Bhubaneswar, Odisha, farmers said that this helped them in times of exigency, helping them mitigate financial crunch during sowing of seeds and tilling of land. In Maharashtras Jalna, farmers said that this was proving to be of great help to them as they often use this money to buy seeds and fertilisers.
Cyclone Arnab: Thousands stranded as severe floods inundate Odisha's Ganjam, Gajapati
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 30 (IANS) The flood situation remains critical in Odisha, particularly Ganjam and Gajapati districts, in the wake of incessant rainfall induced by severe Cyclonic storm 'Arnab'. The exceptional downpour triggered massive flash flooding in several areas of South Odisha, disrupting road connectivity after roads and bridges were washed away. Several areas were cut off, leaving thousands of people stranded in the affected southern districts. Among the affected districts, Ganjam remains a major cause for concern, with rescue teams undertaking extensive operations to evacuate people stranded by the floods. Speaking to media persons, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Friday said an analysis of rainfall data of the last three days preceding Thursday revealed that Ganjam district received 118 per cent excess rainfall. Similarly, Gajapati recorded 103 per cent excess rainfall over the same two to three days, while Kandhamal received 123 per cent excess rainfall. Ganjam district broke all previous rainfall records this time, receiving an unprecedented amount of rainfall within such a short period. This resulted in extensive damage across the district, the minister said. As many as 386 villages under 22 blocks and 18 Urban local bodies have been affected in Ganjam. Around 43,000 people have been affected in Ganjam district, of whom 23,323 have been evacuated and accommodated in various relief centres. On Thursday, the Indian Coast Guard aircrew using the ALH Mk-III helicopter successfully winched six individuals -- including two women, two children, and one elderly person -- stranded at a heavily inundated Public Health Centre (PHC) in Jagmohan in Ganjam district to safety. Meanwhile, Fire Services personnel have so far rescued 303 people stranded in Berhampur, 359 in Chhatrapur in Ganjam district, 31 in Gajapati district and 91 in Kandhamal district. The Indian Navy, utilising four of its helicopters, started carrying food packets and air-dropping relief materials at 21 locations in the flood-affected Ganjam district on Friday. The Fire Services and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams have also been deployed to deliver food supplies to affected people. The strong water currents that prevented rescue teams from reaching several areas earlier have now subsided, allowing them to access all flood-hit villages, including those that remain marooned. At present, 352 relief centres are operational in Ganjam district and 340 in Gajapati district. As many as 23,300 people are currently staying in the 352 relief centres in Ganjam, while 21,782 people have taken shelter in the 340 relief centres in Gajapati. Revenue Minister Pujari said that the number of people still marooned in flood-affected areas is higher than those accommodated in relief centres. He also expected the situation to improve soon, as there had been no rainfall in the past 24 hours. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi did an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Ganjam and other districts. The central team is also likely to visit the affected areas soon to assess the damage caused by the cyclone and incessant rainfall in Odisha.
PMi releases 3,000 cr PM-KISAN instalment to over 3.54 mn Odisha farmers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday released the 24th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, transferring over Rs 18,690 crore to the bank accounts of more than 9.34 crore farmers across the country, including 35.38 lakh in Odisha. The beneficiaries in Odisha received Rs 3,000 crore as part of the instalment released by the prime minister from Banaskantha in Gujarat, officials said. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi joined the programme virtually from Bhubaneswar and addressed beneficiary farmers at a state-level 'PM-Kisan Utsav'. The welfare and empowerment of farmers is the core commitment of our government. Today, India's esteemed Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi, launched the release of the 24th instalment of the nationwide 'PM-Kisan' scheme via a virtual event from Banaskantha, Gujarat, Majhi wrote on X. Under the scheme, financial assistance was transferred directly to the bank accounts of over 35.38 lakh farmers in the state through direct benefit transfer (DBT), he ...
PM releases Rs 3,000 crore PM-KISAN instalment to over 35.38 lakh Odisha farmers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 24th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme on Friday, transferring over Rs 18,690 crore to more than 9.34 crore farmers across India. In Odisha, 35.38 lakh beneficiaries received financial assistance as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi joined the programme virtually from Bhubaneswar. Majhi also spoke about crop losses caused by recent floods and assured affected farmers of assistance.
Cyclone Arnab: Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat among 35 trains cancelled
Water over railway bridges between Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi halts services on the Chennai-Howrah main line
Arnab aftermath: Massive rain floods south Odisha, hits 60,000
Parties unite against Andhra polls in Kotia
Odisha govt clears 22 industrial projects worth Rs 3,855 crore; 7,765 jobs likely
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 29 (IANS) The Odisha government on Thursday approved 22 industrial investment proposals worth Rs 3,855.38 crore, with the potential to generate 7,765 employment opportunities across various sectors, further strengthening the states industrial growth and creating new avenues for economic development. The proposals were approved at the 151st State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) meeting held in Bhubaneswar under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary of Odisha Anu Garg. The approvals mark another step in the States efforts to diversify its industrial base, attract investment across emerging sectors and create employment opportunities, the state government said in an official statement. It added that the approved projects span 11 sectors, which include Tourism, Biofuel, Manufacturing, Aerospace and Defence, Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Infrastructure, Plastics, Pharmaceuticals, Global Competency Centres, Steel (Downstream), and Paper (Packaging). The proposed investments reflect Odishas diverse industrial priorities, combining traditional manufacturing and downstream industries with emerging areas such as aerospace and defence, compressed biogas and specialised chemical production, alongside pharmaceutical manufacturing, logistics infrastructure, technology-enabled services and tourism development, the state government added. Among the major projects approved by the SLSWCA on Thursday, two proposals in the paper, packaging and plastics sectors involve a combined investment of Rs 1,029.91 crore and have the potential to generate 1,960 jobs. Three compressed biogas (CBG) projects involve a combined investment of Rs 680 crore and an employment potential of 984 across Anugola, Jajpur, Sambalpur, Sundargada and Baleshwar. Three projects in steel downstream and industrial manufacturing represent a proposed investment of Rs 323.81 crore and are expected to generate 634 jobs. The chemicals and petrochemicals sector will receive two investments worth Rs 225 crore, with an employment potential of 405. Tourism accounts for six projects worth Rs 1,035.62 crore, with the potential to generate 1,337 jobs. These cover hotels, luxury resorts and a convention centre across Khordha, Jharsuguda, Puri and Kataka. Linde South Asia Services Pvt. Ltd. will establish a Global Competency Centre in Khordha for transport and remote operations, investing Rs 82 crore and creating 210 jobs. In the aerospace and defence sector, two proposed projects in Khordha will bring in an investment of Rs 117 crore, creating employment opportunities for 1,170 people. The projects are spread across 12 districts of Odisha, including Anugola, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Kataka, Ganjam, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Khordha, Nayagada, Puri, Sambalpur and Sundargada. The state government expects the geographical spread of these projects to promote industrial development across multiple regions, generate local employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in areas surrounding the proposed projects.
Vegetable vendor held for cyber stalking, harassing girls online
HC notice to speaker, 5 MLAs on BJD plea over cross-voting in RS polls
PM-Kisan 24th instalment to benefit 35.39 lakh Odisha farmers with Rs 707 cr disbursal
Between 2014 and 2021, Odisha lost Rs 24,400 crore due to natural disasters: CDRI study
100 kg ganja seized, 2 arrested in Kalahandi dist
Odisha clears 22 projects worth Rs 3,855cr, 7,000 jobs in pipeline
IG Defence, Omans MSA global sign MoU to co-develop advanced defence systems
Howrah-Chennai mainline blocked after river swells, trains diverted
State workers spend less on commuting than national average, finds survey
Firefighters save 300 people in flood-hit Ganjam after Arnab fury
Record rainfall in Ganjam, Gajapati & K'mal; Patrapur receives 546mm
Ganjam, Gajapati extend closure of edu institutions
307 Stolen Phones Reunited with Owners in Bhubaneswar
The Bhubaneswar-Kataka Commissionerate Police successfully brought smiles to hundreds of citizens by recovering and returning 307 stolen mobile phones. The devices, which were primarily stolen in crowded areas during the festive rush between Rath Yatra and Durga Puja, were handed back to their rightful owners at a specially organized Mobile Handover Mela at the Commissionerate [] The post 307 Stolen Phones Reunited with Owners in Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha: Vigilance nabs forest official in bribery case
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 29 (IANS) Odisha Vigilance on Thursday apprehended an official of the state forest department while allegedly receiving a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from a staff member of the Phulnakhara Range for releasing bills towards maintenance of three plantation sites. The accused official was identified as Mousumi Behera, Deputy Ranger of Phulnakhara under the City Forest Division, Bhubaneswar. According to a Vigilance press statement, Behera had reportedly demanded a bribe for releasing bills covering maintenance work, including watch and ward, watering and application of fertilisers, carried out at the three plantation sites between July and September 2026. Behera demanded a bribe of Rs.1 Lakh from the staffer towards release of the amount for the above 3 months and also asked him, if she was not paid the demanded bribe Rs 1 Lakh, she would not release the bill for the upcoming months. Aggrieved by the demand and unable to meet it, the staff member approached the Vigilance authorities and lodged a complaint, the Odisha Vigilance said. Acting on the complaint, a team of Odisha Vigilance on Thursday laid a trap and apprehended Behera while she was allegedly accepting Rs 1 lakh from the complainant. The entire tainted bribe amount was recovered from her possession and seized by the officials. Following the trap, Vigilance officials have launched simultaneous searches at two locations linked to Behera to investigate allegations of possession of assets disproportionate to her known sources of income. In this connection, a case (9/26) has been registered at the Vigilance Cell Police Station on October 28 against Behera under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. Further investigation into the case is underway, the Vigilance statement said. Odisha Vigilance on Sunday arrested a senior clerk of the State Forest Department for embezzling government funds amounting to over Rs 2.60 crore. The accused allegedly embezzled government funds of over Rs 2.60 crore since 2023 by creating false bills under the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) and Revised Assured Career Progression (RACP) schemes. Similarly, on October 18, the vigilance 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.
Rain dampens Gajalaxmi Puja spirit, pandal collapses in Kendrapada
MKCG ceiling collapse prompts patient evacuation
Officials cross river to deliver cyclone relief in Kotia villages amid poll tension
Jeypore activist seeks 4-lane highways, bridge safety audit in south Odisha
Majhi vows for disaster preparedness, Naveen warns against dilution of Odisha model
Cyclone Arnab: Coast Guard airlifts people from Odisha villages
Bhubaneswar: Indian Coast Guard on Thursday, October 29, started airlifting marooned people from flood and landslide-hit Ganjam, while the Odisha government deployed 79 teams from different disaster response agencies for rescue operations in two districts following Cyclone Arnab, officials said. Chief Secretary Anu Garg said around 300 villages of Ganjam district were affected by floods, 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 .
Cyclone Arnab has disrupted Howrah-Chennai rail services, with nine trains cancelled and 14 diverted after the Bahuda river crossed the danger mark at two railway bridges in Odisha's Ganjam district. Major affected services include the Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express and the Visakha Express. The East Coast Railway has arranged food and water for stranded passengers.
Cyclone Arnab caused significant disruption to rail services along the Howrah-Chennai route in Odisha. Nine trains were cancelled and 14 were diverted due to flooding from the swollen Bahuda river. Railway officials reported that heavy rainfall raised the water level above danger marks at two railway bridges. To ensure passenger safety, additional manpower was deployed to assist stranded travelers.
ICMR-NIHR Bhubaneswar to Host Regional ADOPT Sensitisation Meeting on Health Technology Assessment
The ICMRNational Institute of Health Research (ICMR-NIHR), Bhubaneswar, will host the Regional ADOPT Sensitisation Meeting on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) for Eastern India on Oct 30, 2026, at Hotel Novotel, Bhubaneswar. Centred around the theme Evidence to Policy. Policy to Practice, the conference aims to integrate scientific evidence into health policy formulation and programme implementation [] The post ICMR-NIHR Bhubaneswar to Host Regional ADOPT Sensitisation Meeting on Health Technology Assessment appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha Vigilance Nabs Phulnakhara Deputy Ranger Taking Rs 1 Lakh Bribe
The Odisha Vigilance on Thursday apprehended Mousumi Behera, Deputy Ranger of the Phulnakhara Range under the City Forest Division, Bhubaneswar, while she was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1,00,000. According to official reports, Behera had demanded the hefty sum from a staff member within her own range. The bribe was allegedly solicited in lieu [] The post Odisha Vigilance Nabs Phulnakhara Deputy Ranger Taking Rs 1 Lakh Bribe appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
IOP Scientific Assistant-B Recruitment 2026
Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar (IOP) has released the notification for the post of Scientific Assistant-B (Electronics). Eligible candidates can send their applications by email till 30 November 2026. Further details are available at iopb.res.in.
Three-way weather interplay prolonged Arnabs landfall: IMD DG
3-way atmospheric tug-of-war stalled Cyclone Arnabs landfall by nearly 6 hours: IMD
Video shows IIC assaulting man during immersion, DCP orders probe
City startup licenses low-cost Osteoporosis Biomarker Test
Large parts of Cuttack waterlogged after cyclone-led rain
Man held with 1kg ganja in Sundargarh
Heavy rain triggers flood risk in Ganjam & Gajapati
Serial groom arrested for marrying multiple women, sexually assaulting 4th wife
State refunds 69.23cr in UG admission fees to 1.11 lakh students
Cyclone Arnab batters Bhubaneswar, uproots trees, brings down puja pandal, forces flight suspension
AI course for apprenticeship-linked degree students from 2nd semester of current session
Generator fumes kill two, 3 hospitalised during Laxmi Puja
Worker killed in Balasore filling station blast, family stages protest
Minister provides snack cabins to five Mayurbhanj youths for livelihood
775 senior citizens go on pilgrimage
3 Jajpur polytechnic teachers suspended after scuffle
Stroke cases more than double in two years: Govt data
Cyclone Arnab batters south Odisha, heavy rain threat persists
Kotia polls rescheduled to Nov 5
Fight-stink mission: BMC targets to build 200 urinals for Rs 13 cr
Former CUO VC Sachidananda Mohanty dies at 70
Odisha Flags Off 6th Phase of Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana
A wave of devotion and joy filled Bhubaneswar New Railway Station today as 775 senior citizens boarded a special train to begin a memorable pilgrimage to the holy cities of Varanasi and Ayodhya. The trip marks the commencement of the sixth phase of the Mukhyamantri Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana for the financial year 202627. [] The post Odisha Flags Off 6th Phase of Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha Cyclone Arnab Review: Chief Secretary Oversees Restoration
Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg today reviewed the states preparedness, continuous relief operations, and post-disaster restoration efforts in the wake of Cyclone Arnab at the Special Relief Commissioners (SRC) office in Bhubaneswar. SRC Rajesh Prabhakar Patil briefed the top administration on emergency protocols, ongoing heavy rains, and systematic mitigation measures. Key Highlights of the State [] The post Odisha Cyclone Arnab Review: Chief Secretary Oversees Restoration & Relief appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
IIT Bhubaneswar X-ray Technician Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute Of Technology Bhubaneswar (IIT Bhubaneswar) has released the official notification for the post of X-ray Technician. The last date to send the application by email is 02 November 2026.
Worker killed in Balasore filling station blast, protests erupt
Odisha evacuates over 30000 people as cyclone Arnab triggers alert
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has evacuated over 30,000 people to safety, with the entire southern region of the state remaining on high alert on Wednesday, October 28, after the landfall process of very severe cyclonic storm Arnab was completed along the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast, a minister said. Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the state 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 .
Corporator suspended for recording BMC meeting
Man arrested for stealing jewellery from sister's house
Woman arrested for running sex racket in her shoe shop
Belaguntha brass fish artisan wins national handicraft award
Tree falls on house, woman dies in Puri
Odisha braces for cyclone Arnab, shuts schools, cancels trains; airports on alert
Orissa HC rejects PILs against liquor shops near temple, school
ero-tolerance policy against corruption
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday led the state-level Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 event in Bhubaneswar and administered the integrity pledge, reiterating the government's commitment to tackling corruption. Speaking at the event, Majhi said Vigilance Awareness Week was being observed from October 26 to November 1, with programmes organised across the state to raise awareness against corruption. From October 26 to November 1, we are observing Vigilance Awareness Week against corruption. Programs are being organised across the entire state for this purpose. The theme of this year's Vigilance Awareness Week is 'Prosperity through Integrity.' Strong ethics, complete cleanliness, and integrity are our most important weapons in this fight against corruption. Making the administration completely corruption-free is our primary goal for the success of government schemes. Therefore, the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the Chief Minister sai...
Laxmi Puja committees told to remain prepared to dismantle decorative gates
HC Bar seeks no adverse orders against absent lawyers
Cyclone Arnab forces postponement of Sijimali protest rally
BDA likely to extend deadline of Ekamra Residency application after poor response
Have set records in cash recovery, case disposal, convictions: Odisha Vigilance Director
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 27 (IANS) Odisha Vigilance has achieved record performance in cash recovery, case disposal, prosecution sanctions and convictions, Director of Vigilance Y K Jethwa said on Tuesday, highlighting the states intensified efforts to strengthen its anti-corruption mechanism. Speaking after the state-level Vigilance Awareness Week programme, where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi administered the Integrity Pledge, Jethwa said senior IAS, IPS and IFS officers, other officials, Central Government representatives, district Collectors, SPs, block-level functionaries and citizens joined through live telecast and video conferencing. He noted that a series of measures over the past two-and-a-half years has strengthened the agencys operational capabilities, improved detection, professionalised investigations and made prosecutions more effective. Highlighting the agencys achievements, Jethwa said Odisha Vigilance recovered approximately Rs 4.28 crore in cash during a disproportionate assets search at the residence of a mining officer in February 2026. He described it as the highest cash recovery in the history of Odisha Vigilance. The agency also completed investigations and disposed of 488 cases last year, marking its highest-ever annual disposal, he said. CM Majhi approved 105 prosecution sanction proposals, the highest number in the past two decades, according to Jethwa. The conviction rate of Odisha Vigilance, which had generally remained around 50 per cent, has increased to 65 per cent up to the end of October this year, marking another record for the agency, he added. Jethwa attributed the improved performance to the state governments initiatives to strengthen the organisation through specialised personnel, legal expertise and enhanced investigative capabilities. Odisha Vigilance now has cadre prosecutors in 17 courts and legal advisers in every division. The advisers include experienced anti-corruption lawyers, some of whom have spent 20 to 25 years in institutions such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). These legal experts monitor investigations and prosecutions and provide guidance to investigating officers and prosecutors to improve the quality of cases and their chances of success in court. The agency has also inducted professionals from outside the conventional policing system, including chartered accountants, banking experts and cyber specialists, to strengthen financial scrutiny, evidence collection and investigations. The state government has given in-principle approval for 100 posts at the Sub-Inspector and Inspector levels to augment the agencys manpower. Announcing another significant initiative, Jethwa said Chief Minister Majhi had approved the establishment of an Odisha Preventive Vigilance Research Wing under the agency. Describing it as an innovative, multidisciplinary initiative, he said the wing will analyse corruption data and cases to identify systemic weaknesses, procedural loopholes and vulnerable positions across departments, with competent officers from departments reporting higher corruption rates being associated with it. Jethwa said the initiative has recently received approval and the wing will become operational shortly. He expressed confidence that the state will achieve success in its fight against corruption through stronger investigations, effective prosecution, professional expertise and preventive measures. The Vigilance Awareness Week is being observed from October 26 to November 1, 2026, with the theme Probity for Prosperity.
Cyclone Arnab impact: Several flights from Vizag, Vijayawada cancelled
Digital Desk | Visakhapatnam, Oct 27 (IANS) Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab in the Bay of Bengal has disrupted air services in Andhra Pradesh, with airlines cancelling several flights at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram near Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada International Airport on Tuesday. With heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds lashing the coastal region under the impact of the cyclone on Tuesday, various airlines have cancelled their services as a precautionary measure. Sixteen flights scheduled to depart from Bhogapuram on Tuesday have been cancelled. Services to destinations like Delhi, Hyderabad, Kurnool, Tirupati, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chennai were cancelled. Five flights from Gannavaram Airport in Vijayawada were also cancelled in view of the cyclone. Airlines have cancelled Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kadapa and Bhogapuram flights. With the cyclone set to cross the coast on Wednesday, more flights are likely to be cancelled. Authorities had already issued an advisory that, in view of the approaching cyclonic weather, heavy rainfall and strong winds may affect flight schedules and travel to and from Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport. Passengers were advised to check flight status with their airline before leaving for the airport. They have been advised to allow additional travel time, subject to local weather and road conditions. Passengers have been asked to contact their airline directly for rescheduling or cancellation assistance. Air India and Air India Express said in their advisories that weather conditions associated with Tropical Cyclone Arnab may impact flights to and from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada on 27 October. They advised passengers to check their flight status on the websites of the airlines. As road travel may also get affected due to inclement weather, passengers have been advised to allow extra time for their journey to the airport. Meanwhile, a review meeting was held by the Airports Authority of India to assess preparedness at airports located in the potential impact zone of severe cyclonic storm Arnab and ensure readiness to address any possible disruptions to civil aircraft operations. The meeting was chaired by Puneet Kansal, Chairman and attended by Regional Executive Directors of Eastern Region and Southern Region, Airport Directors of Kolkata, Chennai, Tirupati, Raipur, Kadapa, Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry and Jharsuguda airports, along with ATC In-charges of Bhogapuram and Hyderabad airports.
OCS aspirants seek postponement of Main exams
Heavy rain floods Puri roads, disrupts tourism
Excessive screen exposure taking a toll on youth eye health: AIIMS-Bhubaneswar
Prolonged screen exposure, poor visual hygiene and neglect of early symptoms are increasingly affecting young people, leading to refractive errors and computer vision syndrome, AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr Ashutosh Biswas said.
2k people evacuated in Ganjam, Gajapati districts
Zero tolerance for corruption: Odisha CM warns govt officials
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 27 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday warned corrupt officers and employees, saying that governance is no longer being run from ivory towers and that the government has been reaching out to people and listening to their concerns on the ground. Addressing the state-level observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 at the Convention Centre in Lok Seva Bhawan here, Majhi said, The public grievance hearing programme of our government is an important initiative to prevent corruption at the grassroots level. Through this programme, people bring to the notice of their ministers and the Chief Minister the corruption they face, and action is taken accordingly. On the occasion, the Chief Minister administered the integrity pledge to officials and other participants at the event. The Vigilance Department is the eyes and ears of good governance. Good governance is not only limited to formulating policies and schemes, but its real meaning is to completely prevent corruption and ensure that government funds reach the intended beneficiaries in full, he added. He said the state government has been taking extensive measures to make Odisha Vigilance more efficient and stronger. Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) system, Majhi said technology has been used by Modi to eradicate corruption at the grassroots level. The system has completely stopped the diversion and leakage of funds and is a blessing for the poor. Our government has adopted three strategies to combat corruption: a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, intelligence-based legal action irrespective of an officials position or tenure, and punishment of officials arrested for corruption, the Chief Minister outlined. He expressed satisfaction that the Vigilance Department has been implementing these strategies fearlessly and professionally. He said that over the past two-and-a-half years, Odisha Vigilance has taken action against one IAS officer, eight officers of chief engineer rank, two divisional forest officers, joint commissioners of Excise and the State Transport Authority, three deputy directors of mines, five tehsildars and four block development officers, besides several other officials. Following convictions in corruption cases, 41 government employees have also been dismissed from service, while the pensions of 91 retired employees have been stopped during the period. The conviction rate of Odisha Vigilance stood at 50 per cent in 2025 and has risen to 65 per cent by September this year, Majhi said. The Chief Minister also said the state government has approved the Odisha IT Policy to promote the use of modern technology. A Preventive Vigilance Research Wing is being formed within Odisha Vigilance to identify areas prone to corruption and persons involved in corrupt practices. Referring to this year's theme, Integrity for Prosperity, Majhi said strong moral values, transparency and integrity were essential in the fight against corruption. He urged government employees to demonstrate integrity and dedication and called upon everyone to make integrity a way of life.
Govt no longer runs from ivory tower: CM
Schools shut in more districts as cyclone approaches
Odisha CM flags off train carrying delegates to National Unity Day parade
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 27 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday flagged off a special train from Bhubaneswar New Railway Station carrying nearly 1,000 delegates from 19 Naxal-free districts of Odisha to Gujarat to participate in the national parade marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31. The representatives will attend the parade near the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, symbolising Odishas progress towards peace, security and development, the Chief Minister said. Paying tribute to Patel, Majhi said the countrys first Deputy Prime Minister had built a Unified India by merging more than 550 princely states through his exceptional leadership and determination. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been observing Patels birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas every year since assuming office in 2014. CM Majhi asserted that this year's national-level unity parade will reflect the picture of a completely Naxal-free India. Majhi attributed the achievement of making Odisha and the country Naxal-free to the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah under the guidance of the Prime Minister and the efforts of security forces at the national and state levels. Highest priority is being given to social and economic development along with infrastructure construction in Naxal-affected areas. Particularly in 10 affected districts, various public welfare schemes are being delivered to the actual beneficiaries in an integrated manner through the 'Gramodaya Plus' scheme, enabling them to join the mainstream, said Majhi. The Chief Minister said that the collective efforts of the country's 140 crore citizens are continuing to realise the Prime Minister's vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. On the occasion, Majhi also announced that the Centre has approved a new express train service between Puri and Badampahar in Mayurbhanj district. He further informed that President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to inaugurate the service in the first week of November. The proposed train service is expected to improve connectivity among six districtsPuri, Khordha, Kataka, Jajpur, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanjstrengthening rail links across the state.
Cyclone Arnab: Odisha govt directs RTOs to seal unsafe routes
Forest dept arrests man for bid to sell illegal sambar antler online
Naxal-free Odisha districts see rapid development: CM
