Conviction rates in crimes against women decline in Odisha
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Sep 28 (IANS) Despite the Odisha government and police emphasising measures to improve conviction rates in heinous crimes and crimes against women, the conviction rate in several major categories declined in 2025 compared to the previous year. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Assembly on Monday that the conviction rate in rape cases fell from 13 per cent in 2024 to 11.6 per cent in 2025. Trials were completed in 1,666 rape cases in 2024, resulting in 216 convictions. In 2025, 1,467 trials concluded, with 170 convictions. The conviction rate in attempted rape cases dropped from 9.3 per cent in 2024 to 5.1 per cent in 2025. Four of 43 cases ended in convictions in 2024, while only two of 39 cases did so in 2025. Cases of assault on women with intent to outrage modesty saw a marginal decline from 3.8 per cent in 2024 to 3.6 per cent in 2025. In 2024, 127 convictions were recorded in 3,378 trials, while in 2025, 153 convictions were recorded in 4,265 trials. Convictions in cases of cruelty by husband or relatives fell from 2.4 per cent in 2024 to 1.5 per cent in 2025. In 2024, 53 convictions were recorded in 2,192 trials, while in 2025, 50 convictions were recorded in 3,323 trials. The conviction rate in cases involving insult to the modesty of women also fell from 3.6 per cent in 2024 to 2.9 per cent in 2025. In 2024, 21 convictions were recorded in 591 trials, while in 2025, 15 convictions were recorded in 515 trials. In contrast, conviction rates in POCSO cases rose significantly from 11.8 per cent in 2024 to 18.7 per cent in 2025. There were 190 convictions out of 1,615 trials in 2024, compared to 396 convictions out of 2,113 trials in 2025. Convictions in dowry death cases also increased from 8.4 per cent in 2024 to 9.4 per cent in 2025. Nine convictions were recorded out of 107 trials in 2024, while nine convictions were recorded out of 95 trials in 2025. The CM said Odisha recorded 32,687 crimes against women in 2025, compared to 18,013 cases between June and December 2024. Between January and July 2026, 21,069 cases were reported. From June 2024 to July 2026, Odisha recorded a total of 71,769 crimes against women.
Odisha: CAG flags irregularities in PMKKKY implementation
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Sep 28 (IANS) The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has revealed serious irregularities in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) in Odisha, a welfare scheme implemented by District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) in mining-affected areas. The CAGs Performance Audit Report on PMKKKY and DMF functioning in Odisha, tabled in the Assembly on Monday, covers 201516 to 202324 with test checks in Jajpur, Kendujhar, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal and Nabarangpur. The audit found that none of the six audited DMFs had prepared Perspective or Master Plans, and funds meant for mining-affected people were spent in non-affected villages. Audit findings revealed systemic shortcomings in assessment, collection and monitoring of DMF contributions. Incorrect application of prescribed rates, failure to reassess contributions after final royalty assessments and non-levy of interest on delayed payments collectively resulted in a loss of Rs 73.71 crore, the CAG said. The six DMFs collected Rs 22,568.17 crore, including interest, and sanctioned 17,435 projects worth Rs 20,947.52 crore. However, only Rs 10,092.53 crore (48.18 per cent) was utilised by March 2024. None of the DMFs had prepared long-term strategic plans as required under guidelines. The CAG noted that none of the six DMFs had created endowment funds for sustainable livelihood support despite receiving Rs 20,795.51 crore in contributions and Rs 1,772.66 crore in interest. In Kendujhar and Sundargarh, 9,739 projects worth Rs 17,926.79 crore were sanctioned between 201516 and 202324. Yet, Rs 983.32 crore was spent on 976 projects in non-affected villages, while no project was implemented in 488 directly affected and 96 indirectly affected villages. Implementing agencies in Jajpur, Kendujhar and Sundargarh had not returned Rs 470.25 crore in unspent amounts and Rs 26.51 crore in interest earned to the respective DMFs. The report highlighted losses due to mismanagement. DMF Kendujhar did not invest funds in fixed deposits. Owing to imprudent investment decisions, DMF Kendujhar bore a loss of interest amounting to Rs 84.51 crore, the CAG noted. Similarly, Rs 25.01 crore (25.06 per cent) of Rs 99.81 crore in administrative expenditure was irregularly utilised for non-administrative purposes, including police patrol vehicles, renovation of a municipality office, a reading room at the Collectors residence, and inauguration and school function charges in Sundargarh. Expenditure of Rs 136.77 crore on construction of a hockey stadium by Sundargarh DMF was also termed irregular, as the project did not fall under permissible activities under PMKKKY guidelines.
The Odisha T20 League: The Odisha T20 LeagueCM Trophy fixture between Rourkela Superstars and Kataka Panthers was called off due to a wet outfield at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha, on Monday. With the league-stage matches completed, Keonjhar Miners finished at the top of the points table with six points and a better Net Run Rate. Sambalpur Warriors and Bhubaneswar Tigers finished second and third, respectively, with the same number of points. Keonjhar Miners have secured a direct place in the final after finishing at the top of the table. Sambalpur Warriors and Bhubaneswar Tigers will now meet in the Qualifier on September 29, at the Barabati Stadium starting at 7:30 pm. The match is scheduled to begin in the evening, with the winner advancing to the final. The Barabati Stadium will also host a womens exhibition match between OCA Womens Green and OCA Womens Blue on September 29, starting at 2:00 pm, offering another opportunity to showcase womens cricket in Odisha. Earlier, Pithoragarh Hurricanes defeated Nainital Tigers by 27 runs via the DLS Method, while Tehri Titans registered a nine-wicket victory over Rishikesh Rivers Kings in a rain-affected clash. Both matches were shortened due to rain, but produced explosive batting performances and exciting finishes. In the first match of the day, Pithoragarh Hurricanes defeated Nainital Tigers by 27 runs via the DLS Method in a rain-hit encounter. Nainital Tigers won the toss and elected to bowl first, but Pithoragarh Hurricanes made a flying start, putting up 159/7 in 14 overs. Openers Aanjaneya Suryavanshi and Samarth Semwal provided the perfect platform, adding quick runs at the top. Suryavanshi smashed a blistering 73 off just 24 balls, while Semwal contributed 44 off 25 balls, helping the Hurricanes cross the 100-run mark inside the first 10 overs. However, the Hurricanes lost momentum towards the end of the innings as Nainital Tigers struck back with a flurry of wickets. Adi Khan was the standout bowler, claiming five wickets, as the Tigers restricted their opponents to 159/7. In reply, Nainital Tigers reached 41/3 in 6.1 overs before rain brought an early end to the contest. With the DLS Method coming into play, Pithoragarh Hurricanes were declared winners by 27 runs. Suryavanshi's explosive knock earned him the Player of the Match award. The second game also saw rain shorten proceedings, but it was Tehri Titans who emerged victorious against Rishikesh RiversKings. Tehri Titans won the toss and chose to bowl, making an immediate impact by picking up a wicket off the very first ball. Rishikesh RiversKings fought back through Dikshanshu Negi, who smashed a quickfire 26 off eight balls, as they posted 73/4 in five overs in the rain-shortened contest. Chasing a target of 74, Tehri Titans produced an emphatic response, reaching 75/1 in just 4.5 overs. Vijay Sharma was the star of the chase, hammering an unbeaten-looking attacking 56 off only 17 balls to power the Titans to victory. Tehri Titans won the toss and chose to bowl, making an immediate impact by picking up a wicket off the very first ball. Rishikesh RiversKings fought back through Dikshanshu Negi, who smashed a quickfire 26 off eight balls, as they posted 73/4 in five overs in the rain-shortened contest. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Amid Repeated Disruptions, Odisha Assembly Adjourned Sine Die
The ruling party members urged Opposition legislators to visit the affected areas: Reports
No DMF funds for 584 mining-hit Odisha villages, Rs 983cr spent on those not affected: CAG
Women sat on dharna in front of the liquor shop demanding its closure
Govt cracks down on idle land, asks collectors to identify plots for reclamation
Woman killed as firecracker explodes inside house
Coast Guard rescues foreign tanker after engine failure off Paradip
30 Hirakud gates open, coastal Odisha braces for floods
93% of govt hospitals in Odisha lack fire safety certificates: Data
Naveen leads rally against MMDR Act, calls for unified protest to protect Odishas interests
Health tests delay tiger cubs Similipal shift
Food safety drive yields Rs 96L in penalties statewide: Mahaling
Odisha Assembly Adjourned Sine Die
The seventh session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly came to an abrupt close on Monday, four working days ahead of schedule, after Congress legislators rang bells at the Speakers podium and the Biju Janata Dal walked out over the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act. Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House sine [] The post Odisha Assembly Adjourned Sine Die | Monsoon Session Ends 4 Days Early Amid MMDR Protest appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha's Kumki Center Trains Elephants to Mitigate Conflict
To help manage growing human-elephant conflicts, the Odisha Forest Department is running the Kumki Elephant Training Centre at Kumarakhunti within the Chandaka Wildlife Division near Bhubaneswar.The facility brings in orphaned, injured, or herd-separated young elephants, rehabilitating and training them to safely drive wild elephant herds away from human habitations. Equipped with a specialized kitchen, night shelter, bathing area, and playing field, the centre provides comprehensive care and training for the young tuskers.
Watch: Narrow escape for woman as 300-year-old building collapses in balasore
A two-storey building in Damodarpur, Balasore partially collapsed due to heavy rainfall and weakened structure. This nearly 300-year-old building had historical connections with Fakir Mohan Senapati, an Odia writer and litterateur. People from the family of Bachu Keshab Rao occupied the building over generations and still resided in part of it. Fortunately, there were no injuries or casualties from the incident that blocked a local road.
Asian Games: Yash Vir Singh, Rohit Yadav win silver and bronze in mens javelin
Digital Desk | Nagoya, Sep 28 (IANS) India secured a silver-bronze double in the mens javelin throw at the Asian Games 2026 on Monday, with Yash Vir Singh and Rohit Yadav finishing second and third, respectively, at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. Yash Vir achieved a personal best of 85.72 metres to win the silver medal, whereas Rohit secured bronze with a throw of 84.35 metres. Sri Lanka's World No. 1 Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage took home gold with a best throw of 88.55m. Reigning Olympic champion, Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, finished fourth with a throw of 80.29 metres. The result meant India won two medals in the mens javelin at the Asian Games for the second successive edition. At Hangzhou 2023, Neeraj Chopra won gold with 88.88m, while Kishore Jena took silver with 87.54m. Neeraj, who had also won gold at Jakarta 2018, couldn't defend his title in Japan as he had pulled out of the remainder of the season after the Diamond League in Doha due to injury. Yash Vir made a strong start to Mondays final, taking the early lead with 83.56m. Rohit then moved to the top with his third-attempt effort of 84.35m, leaving the two Indians in the top two positions at the halfway stage. However, Tharanga changed the complexion of the contest in the fourth attempt. Having started off with a throw of 73.53m and then hurling 83.34m before committing a foul, the Sri Lankan threw 88.33m to take the lead, ahead of the two Indian contenders. He then improved on that result with a throw of 88.55m in his last attempt. In the fourth attempt, Yash Vir registered 84.31m, and then improved his result to 85.14m with his fifth throw to move ahead of Rohit and get into the silver-medal position. He held his best reserve for the last throw, achieving 85.72m and thus setting a new personal best. The silver medal extended Yash Vir's impressive record in international competition, having won the bronze with a personal best of 85.41m at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. While Tharanga took the gold, Neeraj claimed the silver. Meanwhile, Rohit arrived in Japan with a personal best of 87.68m, which he had achieved in Bhubaneswar in August. The Sri Lankan arrived at the Aichi-Nagoya Games as the top javelin thrower of 2026 among all participants. The 23-year-old had set a national record with a 92.62m throw in Rome in June, before coming close to it with a 92.07m throw in Zurich. He had then won the World Athletics Ultimate Championship earlier this month with a throw of 91.09m. Arshad, meanwhile, started off with a throw of 76.69m and then reached 80.29m in the third attempt; he missed his second, fourth, fifth and sixth attempts and ended up outside the podium.
Jharsuguda Municipality faces 75% staff shortage
Clean-up drive at Tara Tarini temple ahead of Navratri
Traffic Chaos in Bhubaneswar Amid BJD
Normal life and traffic movement came to a screeching halt in the capital city on Monday as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a massive, state-level protest at the Lower PMG (Gandhi Marg) against the MMDR (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation) Amendment Act. Led by senior party leaders, MLAs, and Rajya Sabha MPs, thousands [] The post Traffic Chaos in Bhubaneswar Amid BJDs MMDR Stir appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
60-yr-old man fight off croc in Bhitarkanika
12 held for lynching man over witchcraft suspicion in Gajapati
Indian Coast Guard save 23-crew Belize tanker from sinking in Bay of Bengal
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued a 23-crew Belize-flagged chemical tanker in the Bay of Bengal after an engine failure resulted in flooding and dangerous tilting of the vessel, an official said on Monday. The Coast Guard averted the maritime incident following a distress situation involving tanker MT Seagull 9, approximately 37 nautical miles East-South-East of Paradip, Odisha. The vessel, carrying 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil, issued an urgent distress call around 7.30 a.m. on Sunday after a main engine failure and rapid flooding of a ballast tank caused a dangerous tilt, it said. ICGS Vishwast was immediately deployed to the location. A specialist ICG Damage Control Team boarded the unstable vessel and commenced emergency damage-control measures, it said. The team deployed submersible de-flooding pumps, arrested the leakage, blanked two damaged seawater pipelines, and contained a third fractured line, eliminating the threat of capsizing, it said. To augment the response, the Indian Coast Guard diverted a Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) and an additional Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). Simultaneously, the statement said, an ICG Dornier aircraft was launched from Bhubaneswar for real-time aerial surveillance. A minor palm-oil sheen initially observed near the vessel on Sunday was confirmed fully dissipated during follow-up aerial sorties on Monday. Strict pollution-response protocols remain active to safeguard the marine ecosystem, the statement said. Following stabilisation, Paradip Port Authority tug Dolphin took MT Seagull 9 under tow towards the anchorage area off Paradip. ICGS Vishwast, along with the other deployed specialised assets, remains on scene, maintaining an active sentinel watch and providing continuous operational support, said the statement. Earlier this month, Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Sanjay Seth addressed the 43rd edition of ICG Commanders' Conference and urged them to remain prepared for emerging maritime security challenges by keeping pace with rapid technological advancements. Seth highlighted that the character of warfare and security challenges were changing rapidly. He stressed the growing importance of networks, sensors, software, data, Artificial Intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities and space-based technologies. Stressing the need to harness emerging technologies to enhance operational effectiveness, MoS Seth called for ICG to not only remain a user but also become a co-creator by working closely with start-ups, industry, DRDO and research institutions.
HC asks govt to clarify status of disputes over Ekharajat Mahal lands of Lord Jagannath
Tusker strays into Biramitrapur, keeps residents on edge
3 Missing Bhubaneswar Minors Rescued Safely from Jagatsinghpur
Three minor school students, who had gone missing from the Chandrasekharpur area of the capital city, have been safely rescued from the Balikuda area in Jagatsinghpur district. Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saravana Vivek M confirmed that the boys were found safe and sound at their relatives uncles house. The incident began on Sunday [] The post 3 Missing Bhubaneswar Minors Rescued Safely from Jagatsinghpur appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
BJD Stages Mass Protest in Bhubaneswar Against MMDR Amendment Act
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a sweeping state-level protest and demonstration at Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Lower PMG) in Bhubaneswar today, vehemently opposing the central governments controversial MMDR (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. The demonstration saw an overwhelming turnout, highlighted by a vibrant tribal procession near the State Assembly. Traditional dancers, [] The post BJD Stages Mass Protest in Bhubaneswar Against MMDR Amendment Act appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
OUAT Professor Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Offline for 52 Posts
Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar (OUAT) Recruitment 2026 for 52 posts of Professor, Associate Director of Research & Equivalent. Candidates with Bachelor's, Master's Degree in concerned subject, Ph.D Can Apply Offline. The last date to apply offline is 28-10-2026. The candidate shall apply offline through OUAT official website ouat.ac.in.
Three Minor Boys Missing After Tuition in Bhubaneswar
Panic has gripped the capital city after three minor schoolboys mysteriously went missing from the Sitanath and Adarsha Basti areas under the Chandrasekharpur police limits. The children failed to return home after leaving for their tuition classes, prompting their distressed families to lodge a formal missing person complaint at the Chandrasekharpur Police Station. According to [] The post Three Minor Boys Missing After Tuition in Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Puri Guest House Gang-Rape Case: Four Arrested in Nimapara
Four men have been arrested after a woman allegedly reported that she was sexually assaulted at a private guest house in Nimapara in Odishas Puri district. The woman, who is from Anugola, had previously worked at a guest house in Bhubaneswar before joining the Nimapara establishment on September 1. According to the report, the complaint [] The post Puri Guest House Gang-Rape Case: Four Arrested in Nimapara appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha CM Majhi to Visit Chhattisgarh After Assembly Session for Mahanadi Water Talks
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi is expected to visit Raipur after the Assembly session to discuss a lasting settlement of the Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, following five flood events this monsoon and a recent meeting in Bhubaneswar. The post Odisha CM Majhi to Visit Chhattisgarh After Assembly Session for Mahanadi Water Talks appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Govt issues college HoD nomination framework, sets 2-year tenure
CM conducts aerial survey of 3 dists, visits worst-hit block
Govt issues fresh flood alert in Mahanadi system
Swept away, clinging on to life: 2 elderly rescued after 12 hrs in Kpada, Ganjam
Tourism inks pact with SBI, ASI, kayaking body
Porters twin sons get NIT Rourkela key in 2nd attempt
MMDR Amendment Act: BJD appeals to people to join mass protest tomorrow
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Sep 27 (IANS) The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday appealed to the people of Odisha to join a mass protest to be organised by the party in front of the Legislative Assembly on Monday, demanding the repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. The regional party has been opposing the Amendment Act since its passage in Parliament, alleging that it is against the interests of the state. In a press statement issued by BJD, party spokesperson and media coordinator Lenin Mohanty said that the MMDR Amendment Act has taken away the rights of the states over mines and mineral-bearing land. He said that in its order dated July 25, 2024, the Supreme Court had stated that states could levy taxes and levies on mines and mineral-bearing land and recover the dues retrospectively from 2005. The senior BJD leader also added that according to the Supreme Court's order, Odisha had an opportunity to receive Rs 1 lakh crore towards arrears and Rs 12,000 crore in increased revenue. He alleged that the MMDR Act has destroyed this opportunity. Therefore, demanding the withdrawal of this anti-state black law, the BJD will organise a massive protest at Lower PMG on September 28. It will begin at 10 a.m. BJD President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will attend the programme and address the people present, Mohanty added. Seeking the cooperation of people of Odisha, Mohanty has appealed them to participate in large numbers in the programme and make it a success to protect the interests of Odisha. The BJD had earlier announced to organise a statewide agitation and economic blockade across the state demanding the immediate repeal of the Act. The congress-led INDIA bloc is also scheduled to stage a Odisha Assembly gherao protest in Bhubaneswar on September 29 against the MMDR Amendment Act. The opposition Congress and BJD have also been protesting against the MMDR Amendment Act in the Assembly, leading to repeated adjournments of the House since the beginning of the Monsoon session. The MMDR Amendment Act has turned into a major headache for the state government, as the Opposition seems to be in no mood to back down.
IIT-Delhi team to study Kalinga Ghat landslides
App-based booking, geo-fencing at BMCs 5 planned smart parking zones
Odisha deputy CM Parida launches light & sound show at Khandagiri caves
DCM Pravati Parida Inaugurated Khandagiri
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the KhandagiriUdayagiri Light & Sound Show in Bhubaneswar, bringing Odishas ancient heritage to life through a captivating blend of visuals and narration. The post DCM Pravati Parida Inaugurated KhandagiriUdayagiri Light & Sound Show to Showcase Odishas Ancient Heritage appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Sunday rush at banks ahead of 3-day proposed strike
Odisha Vigilance arrests six govt officials in Rs 9.24 crore public fund embezzlement case
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Sep 27 (IANS) The Odisha Vigilance on Sunday arrested six employees of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division under the state Works Department in Bhubaneswar for their alleged involvement in the embezzlement of government funds worth more than Rs 9.24 crore. The accused persons were identified as Dipak Kumar Routray, Laxman Biswal, Rajib Lochan Senapati and Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra. All four are currently working at the office of the Superintending Engineer of Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division in Bhubaneswar. The other two accused, Section Officer Banalata Mohanty and Junior Assistant Bibhudutta Nayak, who were earlier apprehended by Vigilance officials, were formally arrested on Sunday in connection with the multi-crore government fund misappropriation case. Accused Dipak Kumar and Laxman work as peons in the Office of the Superintending Engineer, while the accused Rajib Lochan and Soumya Ranjan are private Data Entry Operators, engaged by Section Officer Banalata in the same office. Following an enquiry into allegations of misappropriation of public funds, Odisha Vigilance has registered a case against six staffers under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in connection with the alleged embezzlement of government funds amounting to Rs 9,24,10,193 at the office of the Superintending Engineer (SE) of R&B Division in Bhubaneswar. According to the Odisha Vigilance, its investigation found that between the financial years 2022-23 and 2025-26, accused persons Banalata, a Section Officer, and Bibhudutta, a Junior Assistant, in collusion with other staffers of the Establishment Section at the office of the SE of R&B Division in Bhubaneswar, fraudulently generated fake sanction orders and bills. These bills pertained to provisional gratuity, unutilised leave salary in the names of retired employees, and ingenuine claims against the office contingency fund. The accused persons illegally and unauthorisedly processed these fraudulent bills in the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) to siphon of the government money, the Odisha Vigilance said. The agency also added that while genuine bills carried authentic beneficiary bank details, the forged bills contained substituted bank account numbers belonging to relatives, acquaintances, etc. A total of 77 bank accounts belonging to 48 individuals, including the son, the driver, and associates of Banalata, brothers and relatives of Bibhudutta were used to receive the misappropriated funds. The account holders subsequently transferred some money back to the primary accused or withdrew cash to hand over to them, the Vigilance said. After detection of the embezzlement, the administrative authority in the R&B division has managed to recover Rs 3.96 crore of the misappropriated amount. All the six accused persons were sent to the Vigilance Court of Special Judge in Bhubaneswar later on Sunday.
Vigilance nabs 4 more in Rs 9.24 cr R&B scam
Sealing of shops in mixed-use zones stops after Supreme Court stay
Asian Games: President congratulates Harita Bhadra, Ancy Sojan after bronze, silver medals
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Harita Bhadra and Ancy Sojan on their medal-winning performances at the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, after the Indian athletes claimed bronze in the womens 200m and silver in the womens long jump respectively on Sunday. Warm congratulations to Harita Bhadra on winning the Bronze Medal in the Womens 200 Metres event at the Asian Games 2026. In a highly competitive race, you held your ground to secure a memorable finish. May you continue to pursue excellence, the President posted on X. Murmu also congratulated Ancy for her silver-medal performance in the long jump. Heartiest congratulations to Ancy Sojan on securing the Silver Medal in the Womens Long Jump event at the Asian Games 2026. Your performance in a thrilling final is a testament to your skill and determination. May you continue to scale greater heights, she posted. Harita won the bronze medal in the women's 200m final with a time of 23.20 seconds, finishing only one hundredth of a second ahead of Japan's sprinter. Veronica Shanti Pereira of Singapore secured the gold medal with a time of 22.78 seconds, Chen Yujie from China won the silver with 22.93 seconds, and Unnathi Aiyappa Bolland of India came in sixth place with 23.46 seconds. Harita's medal finally ended India's absence from the women's 200 metres podium at the Asian Games since Dutee Chand won a bronze medal in 2018. The 23-year-old, who was attending her first Asian Games, took part in the event after having improved her personal best to 23.14 seconds at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships. For most of the competition in the women's long jump, Ancy was in a good position to win having opened with a jump of 6.49 metres. Although her second attempt was a foul, her first jump still kept her at the top. In the fifth round Huang Yingying achieved a jump of 6.49 metres, but Ancy then jumped 6.53 metres to take the lead again. Huang nevertheless jumped 6.55 metres with her last attempt to edge Ancy by two centimetres, while Ancy's final jump was 6.49 metres and this earned her the silver medal. Shaili Singh, who was still in with a chance of winning a medal right up to the end of the competition, came fourth with a jump of 6.42 metres, while China's Mengyi Tan reached third place by jumping 6.46 metres on her last attempt. In 2026, Ancy's performance contributed to a breakthrough season for her, during which she set a national record of 6.88 m at the event on the World Athletics Continental Tour in Bhubaneswar.
NHRC chief urges students to embrace values, compassion
HC frames 12 issues in Kantabanji BJP MLA election case
Following spells of intense weather, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has released its latest midday bulletin, indicating that light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely to continue in parts of Odisha over the next 24 hours. An active trough line running from Bihar across Jharkhand and Odisha to the west-central Bay of Bengal [] The post Odisha Weather Update: Rain & Thunderstorm Alert Until Sept 29, Dry Days Ahead appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Temporary Train Stoppages at Vikarabad for Kanha Shantivanam Event on September 29 and 30
According to the SCR, the BhubaneswarCST Mumbai and SecunderabadRajkot trains will have a one-minute temporary stoppage at the stations on September 29 and 30, 2026.
70K people evacuated as rain-induced floods hit Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Saturday, September 26, evacuated over 70,000 people living in low-lying areas to safety and housed them in 395 relief camps as all rivers in the state swelled due to heavy rainfall over the past few days, officials said. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will conduct an aerial survey of the 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 .
City expands, but CDP 2040 notification stays in limbo
Cuttack district food safety officer transferred to Mayurbhanj
Odia short Adamya wins Best Film award in Italy festival
Landslide damages forest area in Keonjhar, residents on alert
CM to conduct aerial survey of heavy rain, flood affected S Odisha
Left parties protest voter roll exclusions, demand ECI inquiry
DBT-ILS Bioincubator Hosts Startup Career Fair, Bringing 17 Ventures Together in Bhubaneswar
The DBT-ILS Bioincubator hosted a single-day Startup Career Fair today at its Niladri Vihar campus, connecting 17 innovative startups across biotechnology, agritech, food innovation, and allied sectors with emerging talent. The event welcomed students, researchers, and early-career professionals eager to join Indias expanding startup ecosystem. The participating ventures represented a broad cross-section of scientific innovation. [] The post DBT-ILS Bioincubator Hosts Startup Career Fair, Bringing 17 Ventures Together in Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha T20: Vageeshs Four-wicket Haul Powers Keonjhar To 26-run Win Over Kataka
Odisha T20 League: A disciplined four-wicket haul by pacer Vageesh Sharma, along with solid half-centuries from Rajesh Dhupar and Sujal Singh, propelled Keonjhar Miners to a convincing 26-run victory over Kataka Panthers in the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy at the Barabati Stadium here on Saturday. Opting to bat first, Keonjhar Miners posted a competitive total of 187/8 in their 20 overs before bundling out Kataka Panthers for 161 in the final over of the chase. Keonjhar lost an early wicket, but keeper-batter Dhupar (58 off 40 balls) and skipper Subhranshu Senapati (36 off 21 balls) steadied the ship with a vital 82-run partnership for the second wicket. Despite Kataka picking up wickets at regular intervals during the middle overs, Sujals unbeaten 30-ball 42 ensured Keonjhar finished with a flourish. Veteran all-rounder Biplab Samantray was the standout bowler for Kataka Panthers by returning economic figures of 1-26 in his four-over spell. In response, Kataka Panthers chase got off to a shaky start as they stumbled to 48/3. Samantray and Kartik Biswal briefly threatened to rebuild with a 29-run fourth-wicket stand before Biswal fell for a quickfire 13-ball 22 while trying to push the scoring rate. Vageesh then turned the tide completely in Keonjhar's favour, breaking partnerships at critical junctures to finish with figures of 4-33. Kataka's lower order failed to keep up with the steep required run rate as the side was bowled out for 161. In response, Kataka Panthers chase got off to a shaky start as they stumbled to 48/3. Samantray and Kartik Biswal briefly threatened to rebuild with a 29-run fourth-wicket stand before Biswal fell for a quickfire 13-ball 22 while trying to push the scoring rate. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Earlier in the day, the morning match between Rourkela Superstars and Bhubaneswar Tigers was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain. Article Source: IANS
New gold set for Suna Besha; Gundicha temple to reopen Sept 30
Congress attacks EC, SC over failure to return to power: BJP MP
Bhubaneswar: BJP MP Sambit Patra on Saturday, September 26, accused the Congress and its leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, of targeting constitutional institutions for political gains and undermining their credibility. Patra was speaking after the Election Commission issued a statement saying orders related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were issued with the 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 .
Citizens are our eyes and ears; their cooperation is indispensable: DCP Saravana
Flood situation continues to be grim in Odisha
Vedanta plans 1,000-bed hospital in western Odisha
Ex-soldiers fight against illiteracy: 67-yr-old opens school doors for poor children
Pahal Chenna Passes Food Safety Quality Test in Bhubaneswar
Doubts surrounding the quality and purity of Odishas renowned Pahal chenna have been put to rest as the sweet successfully cleared quality standard evaluations. Recently, the Food Safety Department of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) conducted a raid at a sweet shop in the Pahal area. Chenna samples collected during the inspection were tested on-site [] The post Pahal Chenna Passes Food Safety Quality Test in Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
State raises anganwadi allowance, launches digital bill system
HC suspends teacher promotions in Sambalpur
Vigilance Nabs Two Officials for Rs 9.24 Cr R
Odisha Vigilance has uncovered a massive embezzlement operation at the Office of the Superintending Engineer, Roads & Buildings (R&B) Division-I, Bhubaneswar, leading to the arrest of two officials. The accused allegedly siphoned off Rs 9,24,10,193 in public funds between the financial years 2022-23 and 2025-26. The principal accused have been identified as Banalata Mohanty, Section [] The post Vigilance Nabs Two Officials for Rs 9.24 Cr R&B Scam in Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Vedanta renews push for Niyamgiri bauxite mining
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Asian Games: Tajinderpal Singh Toors title defence ends with silver in shot put
Digital Desk | Nagoya, Sep 26 (IANS) Two-time defending champion Tajinderpal Singh Toors bid for a third successive Asian Games gold medal ended in silver as Irans Mohammadreza Tayebi set a Games record in the mens shot put final at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium on Saturday. Toor, who won gold at the 2018 Jakarta and 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, began strongly with a throw of 20.06m and followed it up with 20.26m in his second attempt to remain in medal contention. The Indian then struggled to find his best rhythm, recording 19.77m in his third attempt and 19.71m in the fourth. He responded with a much-improved 20.64m on his fifth throw, but it was not enough to reclaim the top position. Toors sixth and final attempt was marked as a foul, leaving him with 20.64m as his best effort of the competition. Tayebi, meanwhile, produced the decisive throw of 20.81m to win gold and better Toors previous Asian Games record of 20.75m, which the Indian had set while winning the title at Jakarta in 2018. The silver ensured that Toor continued his impressive record of winning a medal at every Asian Games he has competed in. The 31-year-old had successfully defended his title at Hangzhou with a best throw of 20.36m and came into the competition as the Indian national record holder with a personal best of 21.77m, achieved in Bhubaneswar in June 2023. Toors latest podium finish also comes after a difficult Commonwealth Games 2026 outing, where he finished fifth in the mens shot put. He opened that competition with 20.06m, followed by 19.98m before producing his best throw of 20.27m in the third round. Toor then recorded 19.93m, 20.26m and 19.79m in his final three attempts but failed to reach the podium and ended the multi-national competition without a medal.
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Left Parties Stage Mega Rally in Bhubaneswar, Demand Removal of CEC
Raising serious questions over the transparency of the electoral process and the independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI), four major Left parties held a colourful rally and demonstration along Mahatma Gandhi Marg on Friday. Organised jointly by the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], CPI(ML) Liberation, and the [] The post Left Parties Stage Mega Rally in Bhubaneswar, Demand Removal of CEC appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Tata Steel Friendship Cup 2026: Media 11 Wins, Odisha CM Honours Hockey Stars
Sportsmanship and brotherhood form the bedrock of a healthy society, said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today while attending the 16th Tata Steel Friendship Cup Football Tournament 2026 at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. Emphasising that sports are an integral part of human life, the Chief Minister noted that athletic events foster unity, camaraderie, and mutual respect. [] The post Tata Steel Friendship Cup 2026: Media 11 Wins, Odisha CM Honours Hockey Stars appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Senate revival sharpens poll debate
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Double-Engine Odisha: CM Majhi Says Deendayal
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, speaking at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyayas 111th state-level Jayanti in Bhubaneswar, said Antyodaya and self-reliance guide the double-engine government through housing, food, farm and womens schemes. The post Double-Engine Odisha: CM Majhi Says Deendayals Dream Is Now Policy appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Odisha Congress gheraos CEO office, demands removal of Gyanesh Kumar
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Sep 25 (IANS) Odisha Congress on Friday organised a massive rally and gheraoed the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha, in Bhubaneswar, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the electoral process. Led by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das, Congress leaders and workers marched from the ADM office to the CEOs office and staged the gherao. Addressing the media during the protest, Das alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner has been acting at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government and claimed that Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhis allegations of vote theft have now been proved true. Not today, but for the last three years, Rahul Gandhi has been saying that vote theft is taking place. His allegations have been proved true, Das said. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has been using the Election Commission as a weapon to steal the countrys electoral process. Das added that CEC Kumar, acting as a proxy for the BJP government, oversaw a flawed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) across the country and thereby undermined the democratic system. Das further alleged that over the past 10 months, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on 14 occasions to various decisions of the Commission. He claimed that Kumar ignored their objections and continued to take decisions unilaterally. He also alleged that the two commissioners raised objections as many as four times in a single day, but the Commission ignored them. According to Das, they also learned about important modules, details, and decisions of the Commission through the media, indicating that they had been kept in the dark. Das alleged that Form-6, used to include new voters in electoral rolls, had been changed illegally despite the Commission allegedly lacking the authority to do so. He claimed that Joshi had objected to the change, but his objection was ignored. He also alleged that the agendas of several Commission meetings were neither published in advance nor were their proceedings made public afterwards. The OPCC president also referred to letters written to the Cabinet Secretary in which the two serving commissioners alleged that CEC Gyanesh Kumar had violated the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. This raises the question as to why the two serving commissioners had to take the matter outside the Commission to make their voices heard, and who initially provided political protection to the CEC to act against the law? The Modi government cannot distance itself from the question of accountability, noted Das. Criticising the Election Commissions explanation that decisions were taken unanimously despite differences of opinion among commissioners, Das termed the explanation highly ridiculous. Reiterating LoP Rahul Gandhis statement labelling officials manipulating rolls as traitors, Das demanded Kumars resignation or impeachment, while citing Priyanka Gandhis demand for criminal proceedings against him.
Rain continues in Odisha forcing evacuations, damaging infrastructure
'Gyanesh Kumar should be arrested': Congress stages nationwide protests against CEC
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) The Congress on Friday staged nationwide protests to demand the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over 'vote chori' allegations, asserting that the party would not bow down until action is taken against him. The allegations have gained momentum after a media report claimed differences within the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Several Congress leaders and workers were detained during the agitation, including the party's Assam and Punjab chiefs Gaurav Gogoi and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, respectively. Water cannons were also used to disperse the protesters across states. In the national capital, the Youth Congress held a march demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav said: The demand is clear that Gyanesh Kumar must be arrested because he has murdered democracy. The essence of a democracy is lost when votes are stolen. We clearly demand that Gyanesh Kumar resign and that the elections conducted over the past year undergo a review, he added. Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba recalled that the party, especially Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, has been speaking about the heft of votes for months now. On December 14, the Vote Chor Gaddi Chhodo rally was held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. The entire Delhi was echoing with the slogan...Today, our only demand is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should seek Gyanesh Kumars resignation. He should be arrested and sent to jail. The illegal decisions taken by him must be stopped and reversed, Lambae told IANS. Congress leaders and workers attempted to 'gherao' the Election Commission office in Chandigarh. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who was being detained, told reporters: We have all gathered here demanding the removal of Gyanesh Kumar and his arrest and imprisonment. Our protest is against the SIR. Votes are being stolen across the country, and 20 lakh votes have been deleted in Punjab...Our demand is that SIR should be cancelled and voting should take place without it. Congress Chandigarh President H.S. Lucky asserted that the party would continue the agitation despite the attempts being made by the police to stop them. The police are doing their duty and putting up barricades. Deploy the police, the Army, Income Tax, ED, or any other agency, but the way the people of the country have been wronged, they will not tolerate it. Gen-Z recently held a major protest at Jantar Mantar. Another major movement will emerge in the country. This protest will continue until Gyanesh Kumar resigns, just as (then-Union Education Minister) Dharmendra Pradhan did, Lucky told IANS. Security personnel also used water cannons to disperse agitators in Chandigarh. Leading a protest march in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das said: This movement is against the stealing of votes, and Gyanesh Kumar will have to resign. Rahul Gandhi has been raising the issue of vote theft from the beginning, but no one was listening. Today, it has been proved how vote theft is taking place. Led by Bihar President Rajesh Ram, Congress workers in Patna marched towards the Election Commission office. However, police put up barricades near the Secretariat to stop them. A heated scuffle broke out between the police and the workers as the latter attempted to break through the barricades and move forward. The police had to use water cannons to bring the situation under control. Speaking to reporters during the agitation, Rajesh Ram said: We are not afraid. We will continue to protest against Gyanesh Kumar, who is a criminal. Another protester alleged that police resorted to 'lathi charge'. Purnia MP Pappu Yadav also took part in the Congress protest in Patna. Criticising the Election Commission, he said: They have committed an injustice against 13 crore people in Bengal, Bihar and Assam. How can they be allowed to go? Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat took part in the Congress protest in Dehradun. Congress state in-charge Kumari Selja said: We are holding protests across the country. People have seen the revelations that have come out regarding the Chief Election Commissioner. The Election Commission is not functioning in the manner it should. There is no unanimity there, and it is not impartial. Similarly, Congress leaders and workers protested outside the Election Commission office in Shimla. Congress Himachal Pradesh in-charge Rajni Patil also recalled Rahul Gandhi's vote theft allegations, saying: Now we are firmly convinced that there are irregularities in the elections...If things go on like this then the Constitution will be totally destroyed. Similar protests also took place in Assam's Guwahati, where state chief and MP Gaurav Gogoi, along with other party members, was detained while trying to break through police barricades
