8 Years in a Row: Two BRIC-ILS Bhubaneswar Scientists Named Among World
In a significant endorsement of Indian biomedical research, two scientists from the BRIC-Institute of Life Sciences (BRIC-ILS), Bhubaneswar, have once again been named among the worlds top 2% researchers by Stanford University and Elsevier. Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Sahoo and Dr. Amaresh Chandra Panda earned their spots on the prestigious global list for the 2026 edition. [] The post 8 Years in a Row: Two BRIC-ILS Bhubaneswar Scientists Named Among Worlds Top 2% appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Ama Bus Triggers Series of Accidents in Bhubaneswar; Minor Critical
An accident occurred near Lingipur Square on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on Saturday when a speeding Route 70 Ama Bus lost control and rammed into multiple vehicles from behind. According to reports, the bus first hit a scooter, then crashed into an auto-rickshaw, and finally collided with a car. The impact left a minor travelling [] The post Ama Bus Triggers Series of Accidents in Bhubaneswar; Minor Critical appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Man Arrested in Bhubaneswar for Forging Rental Agreement for GST Registration
Capital Police have arrested 52-year-old Nabina Naik for allegedly fabricating a fake rental agreement and forging signatures to secure GST registration for his business enterprise, Nabin Green Solar Power Private Limited. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Arun Kumar Guru. According to the FIR, Naik had been renting Gurus property since 2022 without [] The post Man Arrested in Bhubaneswar for Forging Rental Agreement for GST Registration appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Launching a scathing attack on the Congress leadership, Odisha BJP Mahila Morcha President Dr. Aishwarya Biswal questioned the silence of Rahul Gandhi and senior party leaders over the serious sexual harassment allegations against Manipur MP and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. Addressing a press conference at the state BJP headquarters in Bhubaneswar [] The post BJP hits out at Congress over silence on sexual harassment charges against Manipur MP appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Repeat Offender Nabbed for Shop Burglary in Bhubaneswar
Khandagiri Police have arrested a 28-year-old repeat offender for breaking into a local snack store on APICOL Road in Baramunda and stealing commercial goods. The accused has been identified as Bibhuna Rout, a native of Jagatsinghpur currently residing in the Aiginia area under Bharatpur police limits. The incident occurred on the night of Oct 8, [] The post Repeat Offender Nabbed for Shop Burglary in Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Serial House Burglar Arrested in Bhubaneswar; Valuables Seized
Shree Lingaraj Police have cracked a house burglary case following the arrest of 31-year-old Khageswar Mohanty, alias Lulu. The suspect, a resident of Choudwar currently residing in Bhimatangi, was apprehended near Lingaraj Railway Station based on CCTV footage and local intelligence. The incident occurred on Sept 28, 2026, when complainant Abhishek Mohanty locked his residence [] The post Serial House Burglar Arrested in Bhubaneswar; Valuables Seized appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Yatri Seva Abhiyan 2026 Concludes at Bhubaneswar Airport
Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar has successfully concluded Yatri Seva Abhiyan 2026, a comprehensive month-long initiative dedicated to elevating passenger facilitation, accessibility, cleanliness, and overall travel comfort. Observed from 17 September to 10 October 2026, the drive brought together officials, frontline personnel, and key stakeholders in a unified effort to make every travelers [] The post Yatri Seva Abhiyan 2026 Concludes at Bhubaneswar Airport appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
NSUI Alleges Odisha Govt Manipulating Student Union Polls, Warns of Statewide Agitations
The political temperature in Odisha has surged as the Odisha Pradesh Student Congress (NSUI) voiced sharp discontent over the ongoing student union election process across the state. Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, State Student Congress President Bibhuti Bhushan Mohapatra launched a scathing attack on the ruling dispensation, accusing them of trying to manipulate the [] The post NSUI Alleges Odisha Govt Manipulating Student Union Polls, Warns of Statewide Agitations appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
108 Ambulance Drivers Protest in Bhubaneswar Over Unpaid Salaries
Tension mounted in the capital city today as drivers and operational staff of Odishas 108 Ambulance Service staged a heavy demonstration outside the Labour Inspectors office in Bhubaneswar. The workers gathered in large numbers to protest against unpaid salaries, missing special allowances, and alleged financial mismanagement. The unrest escalated further after a crucial scheduled meeting [] The post 108 Ambulance Drivers Protest in Bhubaneswar Over Unpaid Salaries & Alleged Fund Mismanagement appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Former North Bhubaneswar MLA Urges Works Minister to Upgrade Kuakhai Riverbank Road
Former North Bhubaneswar MLA Priyadarshi Mishra has submitted a formal proposal to Odisha Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, demanding the widening, complete renovation, and construction of a sturdy safety guard wall along the Kuakhai Riverbank Road. The key road stretchconnecting National Highway-16 (NH-16) to Kanpur along the banks of the Kuakhai Riverserves as a vital lifeline [] The post Former North Bhubaneswar MLA Urges Works Minister to Upgrade Kuakhai Riverbank Road appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Crime Wave Hits Bhubaneswar: Residents Demand Strict Police Patrolling
As the festive season kicks off in Bhubaneswar, criminal activities are unfortunately on the rise. Recent reports from the Bharatpur police station area highlight growing concerns over public safety as snatchers and robbers target commuters, students, and everyday pedestrians. According to local reports, miscreants have become increasingly active, with multiple incidents of cash bag snatching [] The post Crime Wave Hits Bhubaneswar: Residents Demand Strict Police Patrolling appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Bomb Attack Sparks Terror on Bhubaneswar Outskirts Over Illegal Soil Mining
A shocking and high-voltage incident unfolded in Paikarapur village, under the jurisdiction of Chandaka Police Station on the outskirts of the capital city, after miscreants hurled bombs at a residents house following a dispute over illegal soil excavation. According to available reports, a group of miscreants was unlawfully digging and transporting soil from a local [] The post Bomb Attack Sparks Terror on Bhubaneswar Outskirts Over Illegal Soil Mining appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Traffic Halted, Sit-ins Held at Master Canteen During Odisha Bandh
Bhubaneswars prominent hub, Master Canteen Square, once again turned into a major flashpoint of protest as the statewide Odisha Bandh called by various organisations brought normal life to a grinding halt. High tension and aggressive demonstrations gripped the area over mounting public grievances, inflation, and core demands raised by diverse groups. According to reports, leaders [] The post Traffic Halted, Sit-ins Held at Master Canteen During Odisha Bandh appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
In an inspiring initiative aimed at nurturing democratic awareness and leadership among youth, an educational event featuring a Childrens Parliament (Pilanka Parliament) was successfully hosted at the Pragativadi office in Bhubaneswar on Friday. The special program was staged by the students of Mancheswar Industrial Area School inside Pragativadis Amrut Mahotsav Hall. Directed by Headmaster Kamadev [] The post Pragativadi Hosts Childrens Parliament: Students Experience Democracy and Journalism Firsthand appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Police Commissionerate Bhubaneswar Kataka SPO Recruitment 2026
Police Commissionerate Bhubaneswar Kataka has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for 81 Special Police Officer (SPO) posts. The offline application process will be conducted from 01 October 2026 to 22 October 2026. For complete details, candidates can visit police.odisha.gov.in.
HC orders repatriation of 23 seafarers stranded in Paradip since May
CM: Govt planning social media policy, fact-check system
Odisha to formulate social media policy for govt communication; strict fact-checking system soon
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 9 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that the state will soon formulate an effective social media policy for government information and communication, keeping in view the needs of todays digital age. The Chief Minister made the announcement during an event on Emerging Trends in Social Media organised for Information Service Officers at the Lok Seva Bhawan here on Friday. A seamless digital information and communication mechanism will be established in the Information and Public Relations Department, extending from the district level to the state headquarters. A stringent fact-checking system will also be implemented to counter misinformation and rumours spread through digital platforms, said CM Majhi. The CM also noted that todays youth are far ahead in their use of social media and artificial intelligence platforms compared with the reach of traditional media. Advising the Information Service Officers, he said that the government, too, must adopt these cutting-edge trends of the contemporary era for effective communication. Elaborating on the importance of social media, the CM noted that the present era is no longer limited to traditional print and electronic media but is also the age of social media and the creator economy. The mobile phone in every citizens hand has become a newspaper, television, radio, and a means of multiple forms of communication all rolled into one. Therefore, government officials must not remain confined merely to issuing press releases but must carry out their responsibilities as skilled communication professionals. They must promptly capture public feedback and grievances through social media monitoring and social listening, emphasised Majhi. The Chief Minister said that communication should always be based on three key principles: accuracy, promptness and simplicity. Errors in government information or statistics are unacceptable. He pointed out that in the digital age, delays in providing information create an information vacuum, which is often exploited by some people to spread false and misleading information. Therefore, accurate information must be delivered to the public quickly and in simple language that ordinary people can understand. Emphasising storytelling over dry statistics, the Chief Minister urged Information Service Officers to highlight human stories and beneficiary testimonials as the true proof of government service delivery. Highlighting the major challenges posed by deepfakes, cloned voices and artificially generated videos in the age of artificial intelligence, the Chief Minister warned that fake news spreads quickly before the truth can emerge. Therefore, it is essential to verify the authenticity of any information before sharing it. Government officials must remain lifelong learners and develop expertise in digital media, fact-checking and video content creation, said Majhi.
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Odisha: Vigilance unearths assets worth crores during searches on senior official
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 9 (IANS) Odisha Vigilance on Friday unearthed movable and immovable assets worth crores during simultaneous searches at premises linked to a senior official of the state's Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment Department over allegations of possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. On Friday, on the allegation of possession of disproportionate assets (DA) by Prasanna Kumar Patra, Deputy Director, Soil Conservation-cum-Project Director, Watershed, Sundargarh district, beyond his known sources of income, simultaneous house searches are being conducted by Odisha Vigilance, the agency said in a statement. As many as eight teams of Odisha Vigilance, led by one Additional Superintendent of Police, four Deputy Superintendents of Police, 13 Inspectors, five Assistant Sub-Inspectors and other supporting staff, carried out searches on the strength of warrants issued by the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Sundargarh, at eight locations linked to Patra in Bhubaneswar, Sundargarh and Cuttack districts. During the searches, Vigilance officials found Patra and his family members in possession of four double-storeyed buildings, a 3-BHK flat in Bhubaneswar and seven high-value plots on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Although the registered sale deed value of the plots is about Rs 1 crore, the agency suspects that their market value is likely to be much higher. The measurement, valuation and assessment of the buildings, flats and plots are being carried out by the Vigilance Technical Wing. Apart from these assets, officials also found gold weighing 212 gm, cash worth around Rs 1.30 lakh, deposits of around Rs 1.46 crore, three two-wheelers and household articles worth Rs 7.72 lakh. The Vigilance officials also found that Patra had paid an advance of Rs 29.50 lakh to a realtor for purchasing a flat in Bhubaneswar. Odisha Vigilance officials expect to unearth more assets as the searches are still underway. Patra joined government service on December 19, 1995, as a Junior Soil Conservation Officer in the office of the Director, Soil Conservation, Bhubaneswar. In 2024, he was promoted to the rank of Deputy Director, Soil Conservation, and posted to Kandhamal, where he served from August 2024 to April 2025. Since April 2025, he has been serving as Deputy Director, Soil Conservation, in the office of the Project Director, Watershed, Sundargarh.
Man Arrested in Bhubaneswar for Duping Aspirants Over Works Dept Vacancies
Capital Police in Bhubaneswar arrested 29-year-old Bikash Kumar Behera for scamming job aspirants out of 1 lakh under the pretext of securing Junior Clerk posts at Nirman Soudha. The post Man Arrested in Bhubaneswar for Duping Aspirants Over Works Dept Vacancies appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Royalty gone, Jeypore keeps its tribal tradition of lathi worship alive on Dussehra
Odisha Launches Commercial Layer Farming Scheme on World Egg Day 2026
On the occasion of World Egg Day 2026, the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department of Odisha hosted a landmark event at the Veterinary Training Institute in Bhubaneswar, unveiling a major initiative aimed at revolutionising the states poultry sector. Minister for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Gokulananda Mallik, officially launched the Commercial Layer Farming Scheme [] The post Odisha Launches Commercial Layer Farming Scheme on World Egg Day 2026 appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
3 veteran Odia runners complete Berlin marathon
NGT seeks ATR from OSPCB on unauthorised composting centre
ED raids 10 places in Odisha, Bengal over Odisha Police SI exam paper leak
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 9 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Bhubaneswar Zone, on Friday launched a search operation at ten places located in Odisha and West Bengal in connection with the leak of the question paper for the Sub-Inspector Recruitment Exam-2024 in Odisha. Sources revealed that searches were being carried out at premises linked to the alleged prime accused Shankar Prusty and his associates involved in the multi-crore SI recruitment scam. The case emanates from an FIR filed by Orissa Police in October 2025 when Orissa Police, on 30.09.2025, intercepted three buses carrying 114 candidates near the bordering area of Ichhapuram (Border town of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha) for leaking the question paper of SI Recruitment Exam scheduled to be conducted on 5th and 6th October 2025, in lieu of cash ranging between Rs.15 to Rs.30 Lakh per candidate, informed ED sources. On the recommendation of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the case, which was being investigated by the Odisha Police Crime Branch, was subsequently transferred to the CBI. ED sources also added that the question paper was allegedly leaked by the persons associated with the entities to whom the work of conducting the exam was assigned. Candidates were approached by the associates, and they were lured for providing the question paper in lieu of money and their original certificates were taken as a guarantee. During the searches, the role of agencies and associate persons are being examined. M/s Silicon Techlab Private Limited and M/s Panchsoft Technology Private Limited and their directors, along with other persons are being covered during the searches, noted ED sources. It is worth noting that the alleged mastermind behind the multi-crore Odisha Police SI recruitment examination scam, Shankar Prusty, was arrested by the Crime Branch team from Uttarakhand in November 2025. Shankar Prusty, a director of Panchsoft Technologies, was nabbed by the sleuths from near the Nepal border in Uttarakhand on Saturday while he was trying to flee the country.
Serial Chain Snatcher Captured After Dramatic Flyover Chase in Bhubaneswar
Khandagiri Police arrested a notorious serial snatcher on Friday in connection with a string of gold chain snatching incidents across the Odisha capital. The accused, identified as Lalat Pandit (31) alias Kalia from Khordhas Nirakarpur area, was nabbed following a dramatic incident on NH-16 in front of Welcome Hotel on Oct 5. Pandit had snatched [] The post Serial Chain Snatcher Captured After Dramatic Flyover Chase in Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
No Digging, No Dangling Wires: BMC Orders Rapid Infrastructure Fixes Ahead of Festive Rush
As the capital city prepares to welcome Goddess Durga across 195 puja pandals, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a strict seven-day deadline to officials to repair damaged roads and fix hazardous electrical issues near festival grounds. The directives came following a high-level preparatory meeting for Durga Puja 2026, chaired by BMC Mayor Sulochana [] The post No Digging, No Dangling Wires: BMC Orders Rapid Infrastructure Fixes Ahead of Festive Rush appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Oxygen cylinder explodes inside ambulance in Mayurbhanj; patient killed, two injured
Effective Communication Key to Governance: PIB ADG Akhil Kumar Mishra Addresses OIS Officers
Effective public dialogue is the cornerstone of governance rather than an administrative afterthought, observed Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Bhubaneswar. Addressing Odisha Information Service (OIS) officers during an interactive orientation programme at Lok Seva Bhavan, Mishra highlighted the evolving landscape of [] The post Effective Communication Key to Governance: PIB ADG Akhil Kumar Mishra Addresses OIS Officers appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Naveen Patnaik attacks BJP govt, says it has tarnished Odishas image
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 9 (IANS) Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, on Friday targeted the BJP-led state government, alleging that it has tarnished Odishas image in just two-and-a-half years in power. Addressing the partys Jana Sampark Padyatra in the Bhubaneswar North Assembly constituency, held on the occasion of the birth anniversary of noted Odia freedom fighter Utkalamani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, Patnaik said his party believes in service and development. He claimed that Odisha had emerged as a model state in the country during the BJDs 24-year tenure in power, driven by rapid development. Describing the BJP-led state government as incompetent, he alleged that they have completely destroyed the state's image. The Biju Janata Dal believes in service and development. During the BJD governments tenure, Odisha emerged as a model state in the country in terms of development. But this double-engine government has already tarnished Odishas image. Incompetent government, alleged Patnaik. During the march, Patnaik also advised the party workers to take the failures of the double-engine government to every household and create awareness among the people. At the beginning of the programme, Patnaik paid floral tributes to Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das and former Chief Minister of Odisha Biju Patnaik. Former Minister Ashok Panda, MLA Sushant Rout, MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das and Manmath Routray also addressed the gathering. They strongly criticised the state governments alleged anti-people policies. Local corporators were present at the programme. The public outreach march by BJD, which began on October 2 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, will continue until November 2. Meanwhile, BJD Rajya Sabha member Santrupt Misra on Friday said the partys Jana Sampark Yatra is an important exercise in strengthening the organisation and reaching out to the public. He said the BJD continued organising the yatra even when it was in power and will continue it while in Opposition, describing it as an integral part of the partys organisational strengthening process.
Naveen Slams Double-Engine BJP Govt at BJD
Former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik addressed a massive gathering of over 10,000 workers during the partys Jan Sampark Padayatra in the North Bhubaneswar constituency on Friday, October 9. Organized on the birth anniversary of legendary social reformer Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, the event saw BJD leadership launch a fierce [] The post Naveen Slams Double-Engine BJP Govt at BJDs Jan Sampark Padayatra appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
CM Majhi Pays Courtesy Visit to Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati at Lok Bhavan
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid a courtesy visit to Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati at Lok Bhavan in Bhubaneswar today. The meeting brought together the states two key constitutional authorities to review ongoing administrative strategies and discuss future action plans aimed at driving the all-round development of Odisha. Honble Chief Minister @MohanMOdisha called [] The post CM Majhi Pays Courtesy Visit to Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati at Lok Bhavan appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Court case, internal rift threaten Arunachal Pradesh's Ranji Trophy season
Arunachal Pradesh are in danger of forfeiting their Plate Group Ranji Trophy opener against Nagaland, starting October 11 in Ahmedabad, due to an ongoing tussle between the warring factions and a case pending before the Itanagar bench of the Guwahati High Court. On the day, Arunachal could not field its U-19 team for a Vinoo Mankad Trophy one-day game against Sikkim in Bhubaneswar. At this point, there is no one in the association who can take a call on selection matters. It is learnt that even professional players who have been contracted to represent the state this season are currently in limbo and have not been informed whether they are supposed to link up in Ahmedabad for the Ranji opener. Arunachal Pradesh Cricket Association held its election in September, with Nabam Vivek elected as the president, but multiple district associations moved the High Court alleging irregularities in the polls. The High Court has reserved its order, and even the BCCI currently cannot form an ...
Oxygen cylinder blast in ambulance kills patient outside Odisha hospital
Bhubaneswar Ward 37 Protest: Corporator Bandita Pal Fast Unto Death Over Civic Demands
Tensions have flared significantly in Ward No. 37 under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) following an indefinite hunger strike launched by local BJP Corporator Bandita Pal. The fast unto death, staged on government land (Plot No. 892), marks a drastic escalation in local unrest after a seven-day mass demonstration failed to yield a response from [] The post Bhubaneswar Ward 37 Protest: Corporator Bandita Pal Fast Unto Death Over Civic Demands appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Saranakul College Principal Dies of Suspected Heart Attack Aboard MEMU Train
Maheshwar Mahapatra, 56, principal of Saranakul Mahavidyalaya, died of a suspected heart attack on Thursday while travelling by train from Bhubaneswar toward Nayagarh, officials and local reports said. His body was discovered at Daspalla railway station after the train had passed his intended stop. Mahapatra had served as principal of the college, under Odagaon block, [] The post Saranakul College Principal Dies of Suspected Heart Attack Aboard MEMU Train appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
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Odisha CM stresses stronger action on health, nutrition and education
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday stressed the need for a strong and constructive platform to identify and examine complex social-sector issues at the grassroots level and ensure their swift and sustainable resolution. Chairing a high-level meeting of PRoactive Governance Attempt for Yielding Results and Advancing Social Sector (PRAYASS) at Lok Seva Bhawan here, Majhi reviewed the functioning of three key state government departments: Health and Family Welfare (H&FW), Women and Child Development (W&CD), and School and Mass Education (S&ME). Only through these three areas, health, nutrition and quality education, can a strong society be built, the Chief Minister said during the meeting. CM Majhi directed the concerned departments to take more proactive measures to improve their performance in these sectors, which are closely linked to the basic needs of the people. During the meeting, Majhi advised the Health and Family Welfare Department to take strong measures to reduce the maternal mortality rate to the lowest possible level. The Chief Minister also directed the department to work in mission mode with the objective of reducing infant mortality and neonatal mortality rates. He particularly stressed the need to provide the best possible healthcare facilities to pregnant women and newborns in rural and remote areas. He also called for greater accountability among healthcare workers and stronger emergency services at medical facilities. The Chief Minister reviewed the issue of malnutrition among children, including stunting and wasting, and directed the authorities to further intensify the Suposhit Odisha Mission campaign to eradicate these problems and improve the health of mothers and children. He also stressed the need to ensure the quality and monitoring of food and nutritional supplements provided to children through Anganwadi centres. During the review of the education sector, Majhi advised the School and Mass Education Department to make every effort to improve the quality of foundational education from the primary level. He also said teachers should focus on teaching and the core functions of education to improve students' learning outcomes. Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, and senior officials of the three departments attended the meeting.
Naveens bandh U-turn: Political prudence or strategic confusion?
Odisha: Father, son killed in Jagatsinghpur explosion; three injured
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (IANS) In a tragic incident, two members of a family died while three others sustained injuries in an alleged firecracker explosion under the Tirtol police station area of Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha on Thursday. The deceased were identified as 55-year-old Manoranjan Swain and his 22-year-old son, Soumya Sahil Swain, residents of Mahilo village in the Tirtol area of Jagatsinghpur district. Manoranjan's wife and sister-in-law sustained minor injuries in the explosion. Meanwhile, Rahul Raj Mohant, a native of Mayurbhanj district and a mathematics teacher at the local high school where the deceased's niece studies, sustained serious injuries. Mohant had been invited by Manoranjan's family for lunch at their house on Thursday. He is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. Police sources said the explosion occurred at around 1 p.m. on Thursday. The blast was so powerful that the room was almost destroyed, while its roof and walls were also severely damaged. Speaking to IANS, Tirtol Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Ajaya Kumar Das said the deceased were engaged in the business of supplying sound and lighting systems for various religious and social functions in the locality. He said residents informed the police that the father-son duo was also occasionally involved in the sale of firecrackers, particularly during Diwali, marriage ceremonies and other festive occasions. They had recently procured firecrackers in view of the upcoming festive season. The room where the explosion occurred contained three gas cylinders, firecrackers, a DG machine and lighting systems. Therefore, we suspect that the explosion might have been caused either by a gas cylinder or by firecrackers, Das said. He added that the police strongly suspected the firecrackers could have been the actual cause of the explosion. The SDPO further said that officials of the Fire Services Department and a scientific team from the district police had visited the spot and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.
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Bhubaneswar: Senior Citizen Robbed in Broad Daylight
A retired secretariat employee was robbed of Rs 50,000 near Ruchika Market in Bhubaneswar, in broad daylight. The victim, identified as Surendra Nath Nayak, a resident of the area, was returning home after withdrawing cash from a bank when two masked men on a motorcycle intercepted him and snatched his bag containing cash, a passbook, [] The post Bhubaneswar: Senior Citizen Robbed in Broad Daylight appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Indian Coast Guard commissions MEOSAR system to boost maritime rescue
Bhubaneswar Gears Up for Durga Puja 2026: BMC Rolls Out Eco-Friendly and Safe Festivity Guidelines
The temple city of Bhubaneswar is buzzing with excitement as the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) rolls out comprehensive preparations to ensure a peaceful, smooth, and vibrant Sharadiya Durga Puja. Under the leadership of Mayor Sulochana Das, the administration has joined hands with the Commissionerate Police and over 170 puja committees to guarantee a memorable festive [] The post Bhubaneswar Gears Up for Durga Puja 2026: BMC Rolls Out Eco-Friendly and Safe Festivity Guidelines appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Anandabana Employees Protest in Bhubaneswar Over Months of Unpaid Salaries
Employees working at Bhubaneswars prominent urban forest project, Anandabana, have launched a peaceful hunger strike outside the main gate, protesting months of unpaid salaries. Hundreds of workers responsible for maintenance, cleaning, and security gathered to demand their rightful dues. According to the protesting staff, the delay in salaries has made it exceedingly difficult to sustain [] The post Anandabana Employees Protest in Bhubaneswar Over Months of Unpaid Salaries appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Sea drill off Odisha coast tests maritime emergency readiness
CBI arrests school principal for bribery
CBI, vigilance nab two public servants in separate bribery cases in Odisha
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended the Principal of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in Nuapada district of Odisha in a bribery case, the central agency said in a statement on Thursday. The CBI registered the instant case on October 7 against the accused principal on allegations that he had demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 from the complainant for recommending her name for extension of her service as Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) at EMRS, Nuapada. After negotiation, the accused agreed to accept Rs 12,000 from the complainant. Acting on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap on October 7 and caught the accused Principal red-handed while accepting the bribe. The person apprehended by the CBI has been identified as C. Krishna Murthy Naidu, Principal, Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Nuapada, Odisha. In another case of corruption in public office in the state, the Odisha vigilance on Thursday apprehended a Programmer, posted at the office of DEO-CUM-DPC (District Project Coordinator), Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Jagatsinghpur district, demanding and taking a bribe of Rs 30,000 from an executant for clearing his pending bills towards installation of digital blackboards assigned to him in schools of Jagatsinghpur district. The accused Chandrajit Parija, as a member of the procurement and technical committee, inspects the installation works, and on his certification, the bill is released in favour of the executant. Despite several requests by the executant (Complainant), Parija did not take steps to inspect the work done by the complainant. Instead, accused Parija demanded a bribe of Rs 30,000 from the complainant for clearing pending bills, Odisha Vigilance said. Finding no other way, the complainant lodged a complaint with the vigilance seeking action against Parija, alleging harassment. Subsequently, the vigilance sleuths laid a trap and nabbed Parija while receiving the bribe amount from the complainant on Thursday. Following the trap, simultaneous house searches are being carried out at three locations linked to Parija from the DA angle. In this connection, a case (39/26) has been registered against Parija at the Kataka Vigilance Police Station on Wednesday.
OBC quota push: Why Odisha has formed a new commission
12-hour bandh by INDIA bloc disrupts normal life across Odisha
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (IANS) Normal life across Odisha was affected on Thursday due to the 12-hour statewide shutdown called by several opposition parties of the Congress-led INDIA bloc over four demands, including the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The 12-hour shutdown disrupted transportation services across the state as members of the communist parties, Congress and other political parties blocked National and State Highways by burning tyres on the roads at various places. Workers and leaders of the INDIA bloc staged picketing at important places in cities across the state. Youth Congress members also held bike rallies during the bandh. Passenger buses, auto-rickshaws and trucks were largely off the roads due to the bandh. Train services were also affected at several places for a few hours, while scuffles between security personnel and the INDIA bloc workers and leaders were reported from some locations as the latter tried to halt train services at railway stations. Hundreds of vehicles remained stranded on highways, causing massive inconvenience to commuters. Private institutions, business establishments and other establishments in major cities across Odisha also remained closed due to the bandh. Speaking to media persons, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das on Thursday said the 12-hour Odisha bandh called by the INDIA bloc was being observed peacefully across the state, with people extending support to the shutdown. Das said the bandh was being observed over four key demands, which include the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, resignation of Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over alleged errors in textbooks, and immediate relief and compensation for people affected by the recent floods in the state. The impact of the bandh is more visible in rural areas than in cities. Schools, colleges, institutions, markets and transportation services have been affected across the state, Das said. He said some relaxation had been given in Bhubaneswar to avoid inconvenience to tourists and people travelling from outside the state. Emergency services were also being allowed to operate. We are observing the bandh peacefully and following the path of Mahatma Gandhi. There will be no violence, he said, adding that he had repeatedly appealed to party workers and supporters to maintain peace. Das warned that if the government failed to address the four demands, the agitation would be intensified and could expand significantly over the next two months.
Passengers Stranded, Patients Stuck as Odisha Bandh Freezes Twin Cities
Normal life across the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Kataka came to a grinding halt on Thursday as a 12-hour statewide bandh called by the India Bloc took effect from 6 AM to 6 PM. Protestors took to the streets with picketing, tire-burning, and massive vehicle blockades, severely disrupting transportation, commerce, and daily commuting. Impact [] The post Passengers Stranded, Patients Stuck as Odisha Bandh Freezes Twin Cities appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Legal deadlock leaves Arunachal Pradesh out of Vinoo Mankad Trophy, Ranji participation in doubt
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) In a major setback for grassroots cricket in the Northeast, young men cricketers from Arunachal Pradesh will miss out on the ongoing Vinoo Mankad Trophy, as the state association has failed to field a team due to an ongoing legal battle bringing cricket in the state to a complete standstill. Arunachal Pradesh was scheduled to open its campaign against Sikkim in the Plate Group of the Vinoo Mankad Trophy at the KIIT Cricket Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. But an internal power struggle and subsequent court stay order mean the team will forfeit the fixture, with the opposition likely to be awarded full points as per the BCCIs playing conditions. The impasse stems from a factional feud within the Arunachal Cricket Association (ACA), where six district bodies - Lower Siang, Upper Subansiri, Kamle, Tawang, West Siang, and Papum Pare - alleged widespread violations of rules during the state executive elections and demanded fresh polls. The legal challenge against president Nabam Vivek and other office-bearers subsequently led to an interim stay on the functioning of the body by the Itanagar Bench of the Gauhati High Court. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to IANS about the legal deadlock in the ACA, which has also affected its participation in the U19 Womens T20 Trophy. There are two factions in the Arunachal Cricket Association, and they are having a litigation issue in the Guwahati High Court-Itanagar Bench. There was some stay order from the High Court about a couple of months ago on the boards functioning. So, due to the issue present in front of that bench, there is no functionary in the Arunachal Cricket Association. The matter was finally heard in the first week of September, but the judgment is yet to be delivered by the bench. So no board is in place there for quite some time and therefore, there was no preparation to constitute a team for this Vinoo Mankad Trophy, he said to IANS on Thursday. The administrative crisis now poses a serious threat to Arunachal Pradesh's participation in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, scheduled to begin on October 11. Placed in the Plate Group, Arunachal is scheduled to open its campaign against Nagaland at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, but their participation is shrouded in mystery. As a result, they could not field the team in the junior mens levels. I don't know what will happen over them playing in the Ranji Trophy, starting on October 11. Everybody is waiting for the outcome of the court's verdict. As the matter is sub-judice, the BCCI cannot also step in. Nobody is governing there because of this matter there in the court, added Saikia. A source tracking the developments told IANS that the complete absence of a recognised, functional state body has put Arunachal Pradesh in danger of missing out on the entire ongoing domestic season. It sounds bizarre, but two or three different factions are all claiming to be the legitimate Arunachal Cricket Association while fighting each other in the court. With no official body recognised to run operations, no official team can be fielded for BCCI-affiliated competitions. For the BCCI to connect with state representatives is virtually impossible because nobody has the authority to speak for Arunachal cricket right now it's a completely defunct organisation. Theres been a continuous tussle over who actually controls the association. Its strikingly similar to the administrative impasse the Bihar Cricket Association faced for years, which kept them out of national competitions for long before a functional body came in, added the source. The administrative tussle has triggered deep concern over the future of its mens and womens players across age groups. It is heartbreaking that our states young cricketers have been locked out of the U-19 men's and women's national tournaments. The players spend the entire year grinding on the field just to get a shot at representing Arunachal on the national stage, and this absence has hit them hard, said a local source to IANS. Arunachal Pradesh was granted full BCCI membership in 2018 alongside other Northeastern states following recommendations by the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA). Lashing out at the ongoing administrative tussle, the source added, This is what happens when self-interest and the scramble for positions take precedence over the careers of young cricketers. The players are paying the ultimate price - their growth is stalled and their ambitions are being thrown away. But the truth will come out eventually. Those at the centre of this need to wake up to the damage being done and put the future of Arunachal's young talent ahead of their own interests. If we don't think about the future of these kids now, the state's cricketing future will be completely lost, stated the source.
Odisha Bandh Chaos: Airport Passengers Stranded as Cab Drivers Demand Triple Fares
The 12-hour statewide bandh called by the India Bloc has severely crippled transportation networks across Odisha, leaving air passengers stranded and vulnerable to exploitation. Commuters arriving at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar from major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata faced a harrowing time on Thursday as online cab services and private drivers capitalised [] The post Odisha Bandh Chaos: Airport Passengers Stranded as Cab Drivers Demand Triple Fares appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Forceful Closures Will Meet Criminal Action, Warns Bhubaneswar DCP
As the India Blocs 12-hour statewide bandh takes effect, the Commissionerate Police have stepped up security measures across the capital city, issuing a stern warning to agitators against any acts of coercion or disruption of public life. Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saravana Vivek M explicitly stated that while peaceful and lawful demonstrations are [] The post Forceful Closures Will Meet Criminal Action, Warns Bhubaneswar DCP appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
RDWU Junior Assistant Recruitment 2026
Rama Devi Womens University (RDWU) has released Notification No. 9094 for the recruitment of 3 Junior Assistant posts through a Walk-in Interview. The interview will be held on 09 October 2026 at Controller of Examination- Board Room, Rama Devi Women's University, Bhubaneswar. Candidates should report at 11:00 AM. Further details are available at rdwu.ac.in.
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The reversal came barely 30 minutes after senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik announced that the party would support the bandh against the alleged deletion of voters names from electoral rolls during the SIR.
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The Odisha Congress has called for a statewide bandh on Thursday with raising a series of demands including resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, withdrawal of the MMDR Bill, and the resignation of the state School and Mass Education Minister over alleged errors in textbooks. Along with Congress, many non-BJP parties such as CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML), NCP, Forward Bloc, Samajwadi Party, RJD and JMM, are likely to extend support to the bandh. In this regard, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Bhakta Charan Das had announced the bandh in Bhubaneswar on September 29.
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