Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw approves Rs 4.95 crore NaMo semiconductor lab at IIT Bhubaneswar

BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved NaMo semiconductor laboratory at IIT Bhubaneswar. The project estimated at Rs 4.95 crore will be funded under the MPLAD scheme. The NaMo semiconductor lab will contribute to India's deep talent pool by equipping the youth with industry-ready skills. The lab will also position IIT Bhubaneswar as a hub for semiconductor research and skilling. It will help in developing talent for the chip manufacturing and packaging units coming up across the country. Sources said the upcoming lab will further boost the Make-in-India and Design-in-India initiatives. It will act as a catalyst for the fast-growing semiconductor ecosystem of the country. India is home to 20 per cent of global chip design talent. Students of 295 universities across the country are using the latest EDA tools provided by the industry. So far, 28 student-designed chips from 20 institutes have been taped out at the semiconductor laboratory (SCL), Mohali. Odisha has recently received approval for two semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). One of these is an integrated facility for Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based compound semiconductors. The second is an advanced 3D glass packaging facility. As IIT Bhubaneswar hosts the Silicon Carbide Research and Innovation Centre (SiCRIC), the new lab will add to the institutes existing clean room facilities. It will provide R&D facilities to support the semiconductor industry in India. The proposed lab will have essential equipment and software required for semiconductor training, design and fabrication. The project cost has been estimated at Rs 4.6 crore for equipment and Rs 35 lakh for software, sources said. Recently, the state government has amended the Odisha Semiconductor Manufacturing and Fabless Policy to position Odisha as a leader in the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem by attracting more investments and making semiconductor and allied projects more viable, competitive and sustainable with broader and lucrative package of incentives. As many as 16 significant changes in the policy including a special package for first few projects, enhanced performance-linked incentives, relocation support for units shifting to Odisha, and incentives for semiconductor park developers, have been approved. The amendment also strengthened provisions for R&D and workforce skilling, which are two critical areas for long-term sustainability and innovation in the sector. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the NaMo semiconductor laboratory in the state. He said with the cabinet recently approving the state semiconductor policy and multiple MoUs getting signed with leading semiconductor companies, the initiative will strengthen Odisha as a hub for semiconductor research, design and advanced manufacturing. I am confident that the 'NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory' will inspire our youth, accelerate research, and further strengthen Odishas position on the national and global semiconductor map, while advancing Make in India and Design in India initiatives, he posted on X.

Union government approves Rs 4.95 crore NaMo semiconductor lab at IIT Bhubaneswar in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved NaMo semiconductor laboratory at IIT Bhubaneswar. The project estimated at Rs 4.95 crore will be funded under the MPLAD scheme. The NaMo semiconductor lab will contribute to India's deep talent pool by equipping the youth with industry-ready skills. The lab will also position IIT Bhubaneswar as a hub for semiconductor research and skilling. It will help in developing talent for the chip manufacturing and packaging units coming up across the country. Sources said the upcoming lab will further boost the Make-in-India and Design-in-India initiatives. It will act as a catalyst for the fast-growing semiconductor ecosystem of the country. India is home to 20 per cent of global chip design talent. Students of 295 universities across the country are using the latest EDA tools provided by the industry. So far, 28 student-designed chips from 20 institutes have been taped out at the semiconductor laboratory (SCL), Mohali. Odisha has recently received approval for two semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). One of these is an integrated facility for Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based compound semiconductors. The second is an advanced 3D glass packaging facility. As IIT Bhubaneswar hosts the Silicon Carbide Research and Innovation Centre (SiCRIC), the new lab will add to the institutes existing clean room facilities. It will provide R&D facilities to support the semiconductor industry in India. The proposed lab will have essential equipment and software required for semiconductor training, design and fabrication. The project cost has been estimated at Rs 4.6 crore for equipment and Rs 35 lakh for software, sources said. Recently, the state government has amended the Odisha Semiconductor Manufacturing and Fabless Policy to position Odisha as a leader in the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem by attracting more investments and making semiconductor and allied projects more viable, competitive and sustainable with broader and lucrative package of incentives. As many as 16 significant changes in the policy including a special package for first few projects, enhanced performance-linked incentives, relocation support for units shifting to Odisha, and incentives for semiconductor park developers, have been approved. The amendment also strengthened provisions for R&D and workforce skilling, which are two critical areas for long-term sustainability and innovation in the sector. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the NaMo semiconductor laboratory in the state. He said with the cabinet recently approving the state semiconductor policy and multiple MoUs getting signed with leading semiconductor companies, the initiative will strengthen Odisha as a hub for semiconductor research, design and advanced manufacturing. I am confident that the 'NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory' will inspire our youth, accelerate research, and further strengthen Odishas position on the national and global semiconductor map, while advancing Make in India and Design in India initiatives, he posted on X.

Marijuana Worth Rs 3 Crore Seized At Bhubaneswar Airport; Kerala Youth Arrested

Officials said the contraband, weighing 3.2 kilograms, was intercepted during a routine inspection of air cargo. A youth from Kerala was arrested in connection with the seizure. The suspect was reportedly transporting the narcotics consignment through air freight when Customs officials detected the package

The Ignored Wisdom of Mediation

By Sujit Bhar When Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai spoke at the second National Mediation Conference in Bhubaneswar recently, his words carried the weight of both tradition and urgency. He stressed that mediationlong a part of Indias cultural and political fabricshould not be seen merely as a tool of the legal profession, but [] The post The Ignored Wisdom of Mediation appeared first on India Legal .

Krishna Leela Guru Gopinath Swain passes away

BHUBANESWAR: Guru Gopinath Swain, one of the last Gurus of the near-extinct folk dance tradition of Krishna Leela, passed away on Thursday. He was 107. A native of Govindapur village in Sheragada block of Ganjam, Swain was suffering from age-related ailments and was bedridden since last few months. For close to nice decades, Swain documented, preserved, promoted and performed Krishna Leela and in recognition of his efforts in propagating the cultural tradition, Centre had conferred on him the Padmashree Award in 2024. Born on February 15, 1918, Swain began learning Krishna Leela from the young age of 10 years from his father's elder brother. He then began singing the songs and playing the role of Krishna, learning them from Guru Choudhury Behera. Specialising in the Krishna Leela authored by 18th-century saint Babaji Dukhisyama Dasa in Odia language and based on Odissi music, Swain widely performed and trained hundreds of students in this form through several traditional akhada schools. People from different walks of life paid their tributes. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his condolences. Guru Gopinath Swain will remain eternally memorable for his contributions to the folk art world of Odisha. I convey my condolences to the bereaved family and pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for the peace of the departed soul, he wrote on X. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik said Guru Swain dedicated his life in enriching Odisha's folk art of Krishna Leela and is a source of inspiration for all. Swains mortal remains were consigned to flames at his native village.

A divine interconnection

Thiruvananthapurams Navaratri celebration is famed for its regal rituals and the rich spread of art and culture. Alongside, in a quiet corner of the city, it takes on another beautiful avtar. Just off the lane adjacent to the AKG Centre lies the Hasan Marakkar Hall, where every year during Navaratri, the Durga Pujo comes alive recreating a slice of Bengal in the Kerala capital. And this years celebrations mark a milestone for the citys Bengali community: it is the 55th edition of Durga Pujo here. Renowned Hindustani vocalist Abradita Banerjee reminisces how the festival evolved. In the 1990s, the number of Bengalis were fewer than now, and the Pujo was usually in someones house, she recalls. It helped the community members share a beautiful camaraderie, which prompted us to prioritise the Thiruvananthapuram Pujo over the ones back in our native places. It also helped our kids bond. In due course, the Pujo was shifted to the Hasan Marikar Hall premises. Now, it is held on the terrace portion of the hall, with related events staged downstairs. Preparations for the festival begin weeks in advance, with families planning the decorations, dances and dramas. The paramount part, however, is the making of the Goddesss idol. Back in West Bengal, it is indeed a ritual in itself. The idol of the Goddess when it was being made. In Thiruvananthapuram, too, the making of the idol is no less significant. In the earlier days of our association, the members themselves would make the idols, procuring soil locally. Now we get an artisan from Kolkata every year so that the idol can be made the traditional way, says Amitabha Mondal, president of Trivandrum Bengali Association. Now, the number of members has swelled, and so has the Pujo. In Kolkata, there are several artisans who move from one place to another making idols for Bengali communities during this season. For example, artisan Tapan Jana, who made the idol here, also covers Kochi and Kozhikode. For the community, Durga Pujo is a time of camaraderie, of returning to roots, and of keeping culture alive. For youngsters like Aryaman Banerjee who grew up in the city, the festival is steeped in childhood nostalgia. To me, the Thiruvananthapuram Pujo is an emotional one. After studies, I went to Bhubaneswar for work. But I made it a point to attend the Pujo here, says the engineer, who now works in Odisha. I will be shifting base back to the city soon this is home. Even the Kolkata Pujo doesnt match up to the Thiruvananthapuram one for those who grew up here. What Aryaman remembers most is the Anando Mela (food festival) during the Pujo, when he and his friends would first scout the stalls to decide which to attack first. Tapan Jana, the artisan from Bengal with his family members and assistants after the idol was finished. The food would be prepared by the families. Some would have excellent chicken rolls, aloo puri, dahi vada, etc. Next would be the Mukto Mela, where everyone showcased their talents. We had a music band. There was also a Bengali recitation competition, probably to keep our ties with Bengali literature alive, he gushes. This year, too, the festivities will continue in the same spirit. Adding a special touch, however, is a programme commemorating the birth centenary of Salil Chowdhury, the legendary musician adored in Kerala as much as in Bengal. All are welcome, says Amitabha. Tapan Jana brings Ganga Maati, soil from the banks of the Hoogly, to mix with the locally procured soil to shape the idol. Evoking Durga Tapan Jana, from Midnapore district, travels across south India in the weeks leading up to Navaratri, making Durga idols for Bengali associations in various districts. Traditionally, the soil used for the idol is procured from the banks of the river Hooghly (called Ganga Maati), mixed with mud from different spots to represent inclusiveness in divinity. But when we make idols outside Bengal, we cannot follow that ritual strictly always, because each average-size idol would require around five sacks of mud and transporting that from Bengal would hike the cost, explains Tapan, who makes seven idols in Kerala during the season before proceeding to Punjab to prepare the idol for Kali Pujo, which falls on the day before Deepawali. I use small portions of Ganga maati, which I mix with locally procured clay and some plaster of Paris to smear on the hay skeleton of the idol to shape it up. The Durga idol is usually readied on Mahalaya, the day before Navaratri begins, with the final ritual being the Chokku Daan the drawing of the eyes. This symbolises the awakening of the divine spirit, and evokes the arrival of the Goddess. I have never been in Kolkata during Durga Pujo all these years, has been making idols for the Trivandrum Bengali Association for 22 years. Every year, my travels for making idols start in July and end somewhere near the end of October. But I am always at one Pujo pandal or another on the festival days.

Mediation can transform discord into dialogue, says CJI Gavai

At National Mediation Conference in Bhubaneswar, Chief Justice stresses collective efforts to make mediation integral to justice system

'Stay away from Congress and its allies, they are looting': PM Modi in Odishas Jharsuguda

BHUBANESWAR: Launching a scathing attack on Congress at the Namo Yuva Samabesh at Odishas Jharsuguda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned people to stay away from the party and its allies. He also said that Congress is looting the country. The Prime Minister said that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh imposed a new tax on cement, which had 'actually' become cheaper after the GST reforms. Cheaper cement would have helped the common people in the construction of their houses. People of Himachal Pradesh are being deprived of it while the entire nation is benefitting from it, he said. The Congress looted the country till 2014. We saved the country from the cultural loot, after coming to power, he added. While the BJP and its governments are working for the welfare of poor people of the country, the Prime Minister said Congress and its governments in States continue to work against the interest of the common people, even now. The Prime Minister said that the BJP-led government has exempted income tax upto an income of Rs 12 lakh.But during the Congress regime, Rs 25,000 was levied as income tax on a spending of Rs 1 lakh, he said. He added that now only Rs 4,000 to Rs 5000 tax would have to be paid for Rs 1 lakh spending. The BJP government is a government that serves the poor, with a focus on providing basic amenities to Dalits, backward classes and tribals. Today, in this program, we are witnessing it, he added. The Prime Minister said that a year and a half ago, during the assembly elections, the people of Odisha vowed to move forward with a new resolve, a resolve for a developed Odisha. And today, we see that Odisha is moving forward at the speed of a double engine, he asserted. The Prime Minister also launched projects and programmes worth Rs 60,000 crore during the programme, including BSNL 4G services to improve communication in 30,000 faraway villages. He also distributed pucca houses permits to 50,000 Antyadayo beneficiaries in the State. Besides, work on expanding IITs in several states has also started, he said and added that in Odisha, the foundation stone has been laid and inaugurations have been held for numerous initiatives related to education, skills, and connectivity. Notably, the Prime Minister also flagged off the modern Amrit Bharat train from Berhampur to Surat.

Bhubaneswar to host Asian TT team championships from Oct 11 to 15

Invoke Courage, Wisdom, And Harmony Through Worship Of Devi Bhubaneswari

Devi Bhubaneswari, also known as Bhuvaneshvari, is revered in Shaktism as the Queen of the Universe and a powerful embodiment of the Supreme Divine Mother. The post Invoke Courage, Wisdom, And Harmony Through Worship Of Devi Bhubaneswari appeared first on Dharma .

Odisha govt employees to get September salary in advance

Bhubaneswar, Sep 24 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to disburse the months salary of government employees on September 26 in view of the upcoming festivities. Usually, the salaries are disbursed at the end of the month, but with government offices set to remain closed from September 27 for the Durga Puja holidays, the early payment will allow them to meet requirements and make necessary purchases, an official release said. This is to encourage employees to take part in the nationwide Savings Festival after implementation of the GST 2.0 reforms, it said.

Bhubaneswar Youth Booked For Dangerous Reel Stunt On Moving Car; Vehicle Seized, Fine Imposed Under MV Act

Such violations are increasingly being detected through viral clips and citizen alerts. Once a video is flagged, enforcement teams trace the registration number, verify the vehicle owner, and swiftly impose penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act: Transport officials

Missing Odisha woman constable found murdered in Keonjhar

Deceased Subhamitra Sahoo, a native of Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district and posted in Bhubaneswar, disappeared after leaving home for duty on September 6, police said.

Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip corridor to be driver behind Odisha's growth: NITI Aayog's Anna Roy

NITI Aayog highlighted the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER) corridor project's crucial role in Odisha's ambitious economic goals for 2036 and 2047. The initiative, aligned with the 'Viksit Bharat' vision, balances economic growth with cultural preservation. The roadmap identifies over 65 priority projects and 37 policy reforms, urging collaboration for timely implementation.

Eminent Poet And Writer Devdas Chhotray To Receive 46th Sarala Puraskar

The award, instituted by the IMFA Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), will be presented at a ceremony in Bhubaneswar on October 26.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar ranked 14th best medical college in India

AIIMS Bhubaneswar has achieved a top 100 rank in India. The institute secured 14th position among medical colleges in the NIRF 2025 rankings. This marks a significant improvement from previous years. AIIMS Bhubaneswar has shown progress in infrastructure, patient care, education, and research. The Executive Director credits the institute's family for this achievement.

Only 4 per cent of global clinical trials are conducted in India, despite a 20 per cent disease burden

NEW DELHI: India accounts for 17% of the worlds population and 20% of the global disease burden, yet fewer than four percent of international clinical trials are conducted in the country. This gap means Indian patients often wait years after global approvals to access breakthrough therapies. Now, a new initiative, aligning it with Central Drugs StandardControl Organisations (CDSCO) priorities to boost participation of government sites in Phase 3 and 4 trials, has trained nearly 400 professionals, including investigators, ethics committee members and support staff to meet the global Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards. The initiative is aimed at strengthening Indias role in global clinical research and facilitating faster patient access to breakthrough therapies. Launched by Roche Pharma India, the company on Saturday announced the successful completion of its first phase of the Advanced Inclusive Research (AIR) Site Alliance initiative in India, in which it partnered with 10 leading government hospitals from across the country. This milestone marks a significant step forward in strengthening Indias readiness to participate in global and local clinical trials, enabling faster patient access to breakthrough therapies and ensuring Indias diverse population is better represented in clinical research, said the company. Launched in 2023, the initiative focused on streamlining internal processes, building digital readiness for better data capture and monitoring and delivering tailored training programs to enhance operational efficiency. By equipping leading government hospitals with global-standard clinical trial capabilities, we are helping to bring innovations faster to India. This is a crucial step toward building equitable healthcare and shaping treatments that are relevant for India, said Dr Sivabalan Sivanesan, Country Medical Director, Roche Pharma India. Dr Amit Sehrawat, Associate Professor, Medical Oncology and Haematology, AIIMS, Rishikesh, said, This initiative is a strong example of how publicprivate partnerships can accelerate capacity-building and strengthen Indias clinical research ecosystem. India carries a significant burden of cancer, infectious and chronic diseases, yet has historically been underrepresented in global trials. By enabling government hospitals to participate in cutting-edge research, this program ensures Indian patients are part of the evidence generation process helping make treatments safer, more effective and relevant for our population. Dr Vyunkta Raju K N, Professor, Dept of Paediatric Neurology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, said: The AIR Site Alliance program has been transformational. Our investigators and ethics committees are now better equipped to conduct research of global standards. This collaboration has given our institutions new opportunities to bring advanced research directly to our patients. The 10 hospitals, which are part of this initiative are: AIIMS, Rishikesh; Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi; PGIMS, Rohtak; Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Center, Muzaffarpur; Balco Medical Centre, Raipur; Government Medical College, Aurangabad; Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bengaluru; Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati; Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute & Hospital, Lucknow and Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer, Cuttack. The project aligns closely with Indias national priorities, including the CDSCOs encouragement for greater participation of government sites in Phase 3 and 4 trials and the Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Policy (PRIP) initiative that explicitly encouraged industry-academia partnerships to strengthen R&D capabilities, build clinical trial infrastructure and enhance Indias global competitiveness in innovative research, the company said. This initiative supports the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 - creating a future-ready, world-class healthcare ecosystem where India emerges as a global hub for clinical research, accelerates access to breakthrough innovations, and delivers equitable health outcomes for every citizen, it added. The AIR Site Alliance is Roches flagship global initiative designed to expand access to clinical trials for underrepresented populations. Already implemented in the US, UK, Canada, and Africa, the AIR Site Alliance is now active in India, helping to close representation gaps, generate more robust scientific evidence and accelerate equitable healthcare outcomes worldwide, the company added.

22 nations to compete in Asian Table Tennis Championships in Bhubaneswar from Oct 11

New Delhi, Sep 13: After the UAEs withdrawal, 22 nations have now confirmed participation in the 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships in Bhubaneswar, with more than 500 participants expected, organisers said. The event, set for October 11-15 at Kalinga Stadium, marks the first time Odisha will host an Asian-level table tennis championship. The Odisha State Table Tennis Association will welcome over 500 participants, including 450 players and support staff, as well as 7080 Asian Table Tennis Union officials. [] The post 22 nations to compete in Asian Table Tennis Championships in Bhubaneswar from Oct 11 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

BJD suspends ex-Odisha minister Prafulla Kumar Mallik for anti-party activities

BHUBANESWAR, Sep 12: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday suspended former Odisha minister and senior leader Prafulla Kumar Mallik for his alleged involvement in anti-party activities. The partys action came a day after Mallik, considered to be a close confidant of BJD president Naveen Patnaik, said that he might quit the regional outfit if it does not function properly. BJD vice-president (headquarters) Pratap Jena, in an order, said, Sri Prafulla Kumar Mallik, Ex-MLA Kamakhyanagar, District- Dhenkanal, is hereby suspended [] The post BJD suspends ex-Odisha minister Prafulla Kumar Mallik for anti-party activities appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

AIIMS unveils AI-powered mental health programme for students

AIIMS Delhi introduces 'Never Alone', an AI mental health program. It aims to prevent student suicides. The app offers 24/7 screening and counselling. It connects students with support anonymously. The initiative starts at AIIMS Delhi, Bhubaneswar, and IHBAS Shahdara. Expansion to other AIIMS is planned. The goal is to reduce stigma and provide immediate help.

Odisha Cabinet approves creation of new modern city within Bhubaneswar

Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Private Limited, a Singapore-based global urban, infrastructure and managed services consulting firm, has been roped in for consultancy service

Lightning strike damages navigation system at Raipur airport; flight operations hit

RAIPUR: Flight operations were disrupted after lightning strike damaged an aircraft navigation system at Raipur airport, an official said. As many as five IndiGo flights were diverted to various nearby airports due to the damage to the DVOR (Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Range) system at the Swami Vivekananda Airport on Wednesday evening, he said. All flight landings were suspended due to the DVOR system getting hit by lightning in the evening. As a result, five IndiGo flights that were scheduled to land at the Raipur airport were diverted to nearby airports, including Nagpur and Bhubaneswar, the official said on Wednesday. Repair works are underway, and flight operations from the airport are likely to resume by Thursday, he informed. A ground-based radio navigation system, DVOR helps aircraft determine their position and direction relative to a destination.

ICMR licenses its multi-stage malaria vaccine AdFalciVax to five companies

New Delhi, Sep 10: The ICMR has licensed its multi-stage malaria vaccine AdFalciVax to five companies Indian Immunologicals Limited, Techinvention Lifecare Private Limited, Panacea Biotec Limited, Biological E Limited, and Zydus Lifesciences. This was announced at the India MedTech Expo 2025 held in the national capital recently. The AdFalciVax, Indias first indigenous multi-stage malaria recombinant vaccine developed by the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) in Bhubaneswar under the ICMR, can prevent plasmodium falciparum infection in individuals and minimise its [] The post ICMR licenses its multi-stage malaria vaccine AdFalciVax to five companies appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Special train between Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar via Duvvada

Society can only advance if women get respect, opportunities: Speaker

BHUBANESWAR: Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly Surama Padhy on Sunday called upon women to step forward and make their mark in every sphere of the society. Presenting the 33rd Devi Awards, instituted by The New Indian Express, here, Padhy said women are the cornerstone of the society. A society truly advances when its women are respected and given opportunities, she said. She said the real development of women is possible through their participation and inclusion in education, health, employment, social security and politics. When women become self-reliant and experience economic growth, it lends speed and strength to development and progress of the entire country, starting from individual families. I hope women will step forward and make their mark in every sphere of society. They should strive to become unique and self-sufficient, and set an example for others. Ultimately, they will contribute to building a prosperous and developed India, Padhy added. Recalling the great contribution of iconic leader and social reformer, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, whose 300th birth anniversary was celebrated recently, Padhy said she was an exemplary leader who introduced a model of good governance in which the poor and the marginalised were given utmost priority. She is a symbol of the idea that with willpower and firm resolve, no matter how adverse the circumstances, one can achieve remarkable outcomes. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was another visionary leader who not only conceptualised the idea of Gold Quadrilateral project but implemented it successfully linking the entire country. Very few people today know that Ahilyabai unified the country by linking all Char Dhams (four sacred pilgrimage sites) by roads, she added. A former minister and the only woman from Odisha to serve as the national president of BJPs Mahila Morcha, Padhy said it is a matter of regret that not many people of Odisha are aware about the life and legacy of Ahilyabai simply because there is no book in Odia written about her. I earnestly appeal that one of our women litterateurs take up the challenge to write on the life and history of Ahilyabai who represents the power of Nari Shakti through her enduring legacy of devotion, good governance and commitment to social reforms, Padhy said. On this occasion of Devi Awards, I expect that women should come forward to protect the dignity of their folk and strengthen them to fight injustice in all forms. This award ceremony by TNIE will certainly inspire the women of the state in such endeavour, she said. The fourth edition of Devi Awards in Odisha honoured 14 trailblazing women from the cross-section of the society, who have stood out through their achievements, excellence and impact. They included conservation architect Vijaya Amujure, the first girl from the primitive Didayi community to crack NEET Champa Raseda, disability activist Gargi Bhattacharya, farmer and preserver of Shree Anna (millets) Raimati Ghuria, ENT specialist Dr Smruti Swain, globally-acclaimed Odissi exponent Sujata Mohapatra, entrepreneur and innovator Minushri Madhumita, scientist Jyotirmayee Dash, social activist Nibedita Lenka, chef Madhusmita Soren and the valorous forest guard who captured 17 poachers Khirabdi Seth. Lacquer doll craftsperson Kanakalata Das and award winning Ollywood actor Archita Sahu were honoured in-absentia while the aunt of Odishas sprint queen Srabani Nanda received the award on her behalf. Editorial director of TNIE Prabhu Chawla, The New Indian Express Group CEO Lakshmi Menon and resident editor of TNIE Odisha Siba Mohanty were present.

Age no bar so long as capable leaders with credibility run the country: Ram Madhav at OLF

BHUBANESWAR: With a debate taking shape on the merit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi continuing in active politics even after attaining 75 years of age and the post-Modi era, strategic thinker, author and former national general secretary of BJP Ram Madhav said age should not be a barrier so long as the leaders are capable with credibility. In a conversation with senior journalist Kaveree Bamzai on Hindutva Paradigm: A new definition at the concluding day of the Odisha Literary Festival-2025 here on Sunday, Madhav said Modi is the leader of the whole country and he is leading it in a visionary way. Those who are capable and run the country efficiently should continue. In a country as diverse as India, you need a person with experience and credibility. He is doing an excellent job. I would not say that people over 75 years of age should quit politics and go away, was Madhavs cryptic reply. Citing the example of ex-President of USA Ronald Reagan, the author said his young opponent questioned the formers ability to run for the presidency during the 1979 election because of his old age. Reagan said his job is to exploit the talents of the youth of the country. With the prime minister always being in a hurry to achieve his goals, Madhav, who is the president of think tank India Foundation, said there is nothing wrong in it. To be in a hurry is not wrong. There will be occasions when you need to be in a hurry. We have to race forward, otherwise we will be left out. We need to go out of the curve to meet out targets, he stressed. Citing the example of China, Madhav said, two decades ago the leaders of the country decided to push everything to be where they are today. There was no ifs and buts. The prime minister set out his goals from the ramparts of the Red Fort. He is pushing the country fast to achieve them. He cannot achieve his mission alone. It requires a whole-of-the-nation approach. The positive outcome of Modis approach is that now states have been setting targets to become trillion dollar economy, he said. We have the ability, capability and the strength to build a strong economy, robust security and a dignified India. We have to be practical. Prosperity of India requires strategic action, sustained efforts and realistic planning, not romanticism, the RSS leader underlined. Coming down heavily on the Congress for constantly attacking constitutional bodies, Madhav said all independent institutions of the country including the Election Commission are under fire for furthering its petty political gains at the cost of the nation. How it is possible for the EC to take out selective people from the voters list? he wondered.

Odisha: Cow vigilante attack dairy farmers over religious identity

Four dairy farmers were allegedly attacked by cow vigilantes in Palasuni locality of Odishas capital city, Bhubaneswar, on Saturday, September 6, leading to the death of a calf. Bichitrandra Behera from Alipingal village in Jagatsinghpur district said he and other dairy farmers purchased cows from Andhra Pradesh under the Kamadhenu Yojana, a five-year initiative by 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 .

Odisha CMs Flight Diverted To Kolkata Amid Heavy Rain In Bhubaneswar

Housing and urban development minister Krushnachandra Mahapatra confirmed the development, saying the diversion was precautionary and routine under such circumstances

Odisha CM's flight diverted to Kolkata due to inclement weather

Majhi, who was on a five-day tour to Delhi, was scheduled to land at Bhubaneswar airport around 9.45 a.m

Odia Music Director Abhijit Majumdar Slips Into Coma, Admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar

On ventilator at AIIMS Bhubaneswar after slipping into coma, doctors say condition unstable.

'Snacks And Sweets Starting At Just Rs 20': UDAN Yatri Cafe Launched At Bhubaneswar Airport

The cafe at Bhubaneswar Airport aims to make air travel more inclusive by addressing passenger concerns over expensive food inside terminals.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan lauds NCERT for modules on partition horrors, Op Sindoor

NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday lauded the National Council for Educational Research and Technology (NCERT) for its recent modules on the horrors of partition as well as Operation Sindoor. Taking part in a function held to mark the 65th Foundation Day of NCERT at its campus in Aurobindo Marg, Pradhan said, NCERTs efforts to highlight Operation Sindoor through a new module is appreciable. A similar effort has been made with the partition horrors. This also deserves much appreciation. Should the country forget about the horrors that happened? If we do not know what has happened in the past and connect it with our present, then we will remain misguided in the future. We will be confused in the future, he said. The module released for classes VI to VIII on August 15 resulted in a war of words between the Congress and the BJP. It generated much controversy as it held Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Congress and Viceroy Lord Mountbatten responsible for the partition. Pradhan called for the introduction of Artificial Intelligence in the Education system and the need to integrate digitalisation into it. He repeatedly lauded NCERT for the role they have played and continues to play in nation-building through their textbooks. NCERT books are the ones that everyone goes for any reference, the Minister said. He launched several new initiatives, including: Newly constructed entrance complex of the NCERT campus Primers in Hindi, Sanskrit, Ho-Hindi, and Koya, developed by the Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysuru, and NCERT PM eVidya mobile application for accessing all key digital and broadcast initiatives PM eVidya DTH TV Channel No. 35 for Bal Vatika Virtual Reality labs at four schools, including Ajmer, Bhopal, and Bhubaneswar DIKSHA 2.0 with structured lessons and AI tools like Read Aloud, Closed Captioning, and translation of text into 12 languages Prashast 2.0 , enhancing mobile and web platforms for early identification of children with disabilities Kitab Ek Padhe Anek , to create Universal Design of Learning-based accessible digital and printed textbooks for inclusive classrooms, especially for divyangjan students and children from disadvantaged groups Utkal Jananinkarag Sujogya Santana , a book on 100 great personalities of Odisha who contributed to modern Odishas development and the National Freedom Movement Handbook on vocational education for key functionaries

Ganesh Immersion Turns Tragic in Odisha; 1 Killed

Violence, electrocution and drowning incidents mar festivities in Nayagarh, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Cuttack

Odisha to Launch Affordable Housing in Bhubaneswar, Units from 14 Lakh

Mahapatra said the scheme is aimed at easing the burden of high property prices in the state capital, where homes often cost over 1 crore.

Parliamentary Committee To Draft Vision 2025 Bhubaneswar For SC/ST Development: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

7080% of recommendations from previous conferences implemented through policy frameworks: Reports

Body Found In Train Toilet In Bhubaneswar Railway Station

Police on Saturday recovered the body of a man from the toilet of the Bhubaneswar-Tirupati Superfast Express at Bhubaneswar railway station, an officer said.

Body of 41-Year-Old Man Found in Train Toilet at Bhubaneswar Station

GRP suspects suicide after body recovered from BhubaneswarTirupati Superfast Express

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stresses role of House panels amidst decline in debate standards

BHUBANESWAR, Aug 29: Expressing concern over the declining quality of debates in legislatures, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday underscored the vital role of House committees in national progress, urging them to frame recommendations keeping in view the changing requirements. Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day National Conference of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Committees of Parliament and State/UT Legislatures, Birla said theres a need to focus on inclusive development and cater to the aspirations of marginalised [] The post Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stresses role of House panels amidst decline in debate standards appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Motivational Speaker, Professional Burglar: Bhubaneswar YouTuber Arrested For Theft

Bhubaneswar YouTuber Manoj Singh, who ran Change Your Life, was arrested for multiple thefts.

YouTuber By Day, Burglar By Night: Bhubaneswar Police Nab 'Change Your Life' Influencer

A self-help YouTuber, Manoj Singh, was arrested in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, for his involvement in over ten theft cases.

LS Speaker Om Birla calls for inclusive system of governance for development of all classes

BHUBANESWAR: Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla on Friday called for an an inclusive system of governance for the development of all classes of people. Inaugurating the national conference of chairpersons of Committees on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of Parliament and state assemblies here, the Lok Sabha Speaker said, To take the country forward, we have to take people from all walks of life together. Stating that everybody should get justice and equal rights, Birla said there is need for a review of the budget allocations for SCs and STs. It is necessary to think about which schemes will benefit the tribals and dalits, he added. Addressing the conference, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that the upliftment of the SCs and STs is necessary for the all-around development of the country. Stating that tribals and dalits constitute 40 per cent of Odisha's population, the chief minister said that the state government has increased the budget for the SC, ST welfare department to Rs 68,881 crore in 2025-26. Stating that the Odisha government has initiated several programmes for the development of SCs and STs in the state, the chief minister said three lakh Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTGs) from 14 districts of the state have been included in PM Janman scheme. He said that the government has planned several projects for the development of the tribals and added that a processing unit for forest products will be set up in the state soon. The chief minister said that 15 Ekalavya schools have been set up by the government in which five lakh students are studying while staying in hostels. Besides, the government has also decided to start teaching in all tribal languages. The two-day national seminar will deliberate on strengthening constitutional safeguards for the tribals. Besides, it will also highlight the pivotal role of parliamentary and state legislature committees in ensuring accountability in the implementation of welfare policies with the vision of realising an inclusive Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Om Birla Inaugurates National Conference of SC & ST Welfare Committees in Bhubaneswar

For the first time since its inception, the conference is being held outside New Delhi

Om Birla inaugurates National Conference of SC & ST Welfare Committees

BHUBANESWAR, Aug 29: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday inaugurated the National Conference of Scheduled Castes and Tribes Welfare Committees of Parliament and State/Union Territories Legislatures here. Birla opened the two-day conference here in the presence of Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh and Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of SC and ST Chairperson Faggan Singh Kulaste. Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and [] The post Om Birla inaugurates National Conference of SC & ST Welfare Committees appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

4 NE cities among 7 safest for women in India; Ranchi, Srinagar get lowest scores: NARI survey

A recent survey across 31 major Indian cities reveals significant disparities in women's safety. Kohima, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar lead as the safest, while Ranchi and Srinagar lag behind. The 'NARI 2025' index highlights that a considerable percentage of women feel unsafe, particularly at night, with harassment prevalent in neighborhoods and transport, and a majority of incidents going unreported.

Womens Safety Report : Fear runs deeper than nos

NEW DELHI: The NARI 2025 National Annual Report and Index on Womens Safety, released by the National Commission for Women, offers the telling reality of the urban safety landscape. The survey covered 12,770 women across 31 cities and yielded a national safety score of 65%, which implies that four in 10 women (40%) consider themselves unsafe despite government assurances. Around 60% of women reported feeling safe, while 40% admitted they felt not-so-safe or outright unsafe. The anxieties deepen among younger women: while public harassment was reported by 7% of all respondents in 2024, the figure rose to 14% for those under 24, indicating that students and young professionals are disproportionately targeted in educational and recreational spaces. The report shows low levels of faith in redressal mechanism. Only one in three victims of harassment filed a formal complaint, and confidence in the system is strikingly weak: 75% of women said they did not believe authorities would resolve their complaints. Even when incidents are reported, only 22% are formally registered, and action is taken in a mere 16% of those cases, highlighting a pervasive cycle of silence. Harassment hotspots reveal vulnerabilities, with 38% of cases occurring within neighbourhoods and 29% in public transport systems. Workplace safety presents a paradoxical picture. A large majority91%described their office environment as safe, but nearly half of the respondents admitted they were unaware whether their organisation had implemented the mandated Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) mechanism. Among those who were aware, most found it effective, suggesting that awareness is as critical as legislation itself. The report stresses that womens safety cannot be reduced to physical protection alone but must include psychological, financial, and digital security that collectively shape womens access to mobility, opportunity, and dignity. It frames safety as a developmental issue rather than a law-and-order question. The sense of safety also varies with time and place. Women reported relative comfort in offices and campuses during the day, but confidence collapsed after dark, where poor street lighting and unreliable public transport left them exposed. City-level disparities are equally stark: Kohima, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar topped the index, followed closely by Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar, and Mumbai, where women expressed relatively higher perceptions of safety. In contrast, Patna, Jaipur, Faridabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Srinagar, and Ranchi occupied the bottom ranks. Ranchi recorded 44% feeling unsafe, while in Delhi and Faridabad the figure was around 42%. The numbers show a fractured urban landscape where geography shapes womens fears as much as governance.

Mumbai, Kohima Safest For Women; Patna, Jaipur, Delhi Least Safe: Report

Kohima, Bhubaneswar, and Mumbai have emerged as the safest cities in the country for women, while Kolkata, Srinagar and Ranchi were ranked the lowest, according to the National Annual Report & Index on Women's Safety 2025.'

Kohima, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar rated safest cities for women; Patna, Jaipur among lowest in NARI 2025 index

NEW DELHI: Kohima, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar and Mumbai have emerged as the safest cities in the country for women, while Patna, Jaipur, Faridabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Srinagar and Ranchi were ranked the lowest, according to the National Annual Report & Index on Women's Safety (NARI) 2025. The nationwide index released on Thursday, based on a survey of 12,770 women across 31 cities, placed the national safety score at 65 per cent, categorising cities as much above, above, at, elow or much below this benchmark. Kohima and other top-ranked cities were associated with stronger gender equity, civic participation, policing and women-friendly infrastructure. At the other end of the spectrum, cities like Patna and Jaipur fared poorly due to weak institutional responsiveness, patriarchal norms and gaps in urban infrastructure. Kohima, Vishakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar, Mumbai lead national safety rankings, often correlating with higher gender equity, infrastructure, policing, or civic participation while Ranchi, Srinagar, Kolkata, Delhi, Faridabad, Patna, and Jaipur scored lowest, correlating with poorer infrastructure, patriarchal norms, or weaker institutional responsiveness, the report said. Overall, six in ten women surveyed felt safe in their city, but 40 per cent still considered themselves ot so safe or unsafe. The study revealed sharp drops in perceptions of safety at night, particularly in public transport and recreational spaces. Educational institutions (86 per cent safe) especially in daylight, but safety perceptions fall sharply at night or off-campus. About 91 per cent of women reported safety, yet about half were unclear if their workplace had a POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) policy; those with such policies generally rated them as effective. Only one-fourth of women said they trusted authorities to act effectively on safety complaints. While 69 per cent said current safety efforts were somewhat adequate, over 30 per cent noted significant gaps or failures; only 65 per cent perceived real improvement over the years 2023-2024. Seven per cent of women said they experienced harassment in public spaces in 2024, with the figure doubling to 14 per cent among those under 24. Neighbourhoods (38 per cent) and public transport (29 per cent) were most often flagged as harassment hotspots. Yet, only one in three victims came forward to report the incidents. The report stressed that official crime data alone cannot reflect women's lived reality. Two out of three women do not report harassment, meaning NCRB misses the bulk of incidents, the study said, calling for integration of crime data with perception-based surveys like NARI. Launching the report, National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said safety cannot be seen merely as a law-and-order issue but as one that affects every aspect of a woman's life whether it is her education, health, work opportunities and freedom of movement. She added that when women feel unsafe, hey limit themselves, and women limiting themselves is not only for their own development, but also for the development of the country. She emphasised that a safe environment was crucial for building a developed and inclusive India, pointing to four dimensions of women's security of physical, psychological, financial and digital nature. It is our responsibility to protect women not just from crimes on the streets but also from cybercrimes, economic discrimination and mental harassment, Rahatkar noted. Highlighting positive measures, she praised the growing presence of women police officers and female drivers in public transport as effective confidence-building steps. In many Union Territories, 33 per cent of police personnel are now women, and this has made a decisive difference in building trust, she said. She also lauded initiatives such as women's helplines, CCTV coverage in smart cities, and improved safety networks at railway stations and bus depots. At the same time, Rahatkar urged society at large to share responsibility. We often blame the system, but we must also ask what we have done. Whether it is using helplines, supporting awareness drives, or simply keeping public toilets clean, society's role is equally important, she said. The NARI index has been conceived by The NorthCap University and Jindal Global Law School and is published by the Group of Intellectuals and Academicians (GIA).

Air India flight from Delhi to Raipur diverted to Bhubaneswar

NEW DELHI: An Air India flight carrying 161 flyers from Delhi to Raipur in Chhattisgarh was diverted to Bhubaneswar on Wednesday due to poor visibility at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur. Flight AI 2793 departed at 5.37 am from Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The flight was about to make its descent at the Raipur airport when the Air Traffic Control asked it not to do so due to poor visibility and to head to Bhubaneswar. It reached Bhubaneswar airport at 8.15 am. It departed at 9.21 am from there after information was received that the weather had improved at Raipur airport, said a source. In a statement, Air India said, Flight AI 2793 from Delhi to Raipur on 27 August was diverted to Bhubaneswar due to poor weather conditions in Raipur. The aircraft subsequently operated to its destination, Raipur, once the weather improved. The statement added, At Air India, the safety of all passengers and crew remains our top priority. No flights for third day at Leh airport Meanwhile, flyers, including a large chunk of those from different parts of the country who had gone to Leh as tourists continued to stay put at hotels in Leh as flights were not operated from the airport for the third consecutive day on Wednesday. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was again issued on Wednesday in connection with closure of the runway at the Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport as it was not in a condition to operate flights, said an airline source. Air India had put out a travel advisory in the morning that all its flights were cancelled for the day to and from Leh airport due to adverse weather conditions. A source said that the weather conditions appear to be improving and there was a possibility of operations resuming from Thursday but they need to wait until the morning to finalise it.

Odisha YouTuber missing for five days after being swept away in Duduma waterfall currents

BHUBANESWAR: A 22-year-old YouTuber from Odisha's Berhampur city has been missing for five days after he was swept away by the strong currents of the Duduma waterfall in Koraput district while shooting reels, police said on Wednesday. A search operation by a team of disaster management and fire brigade personnel is underway, but he has not been traced, a senior officer said. According to the police, the YouTuber, identified as Sagar Kundu, along with his friends, visited the 175-metre Duduma waterfall on August 23 to shoot short videos. #Odisha | A 22-year-old YouTuber from Berhampur was swept away in the strong currents of Duduma waterfall under Machkund police limits in Koraput district on Saturday. The missing youth has been identified as Sagar Kundu, a resident of Niladri Nagar in Berhampur. pic.twitter.com/QJuwfvVhws The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) August 25, 2025 Despite repeated warnings from his friends about the rising water level, Kundu ventured into the waterfall, the officer said. Suddenly, there was a surge due to water being released from the Machkund dam. Kundu was swept away by the strong currents, and those at the spot tried to rescue him but failed, the police said, citing a video of the incident, which went viral on social media. Kundu was requesting me with folded hands for rescue. He threw the camera and other equipment, but we were not able to rescue him, the YouTuber's friend Abhijit Behera said. Sagar's father, Sarthak Kundu requested the local administration to trace him. Machkund Police Station inspector in-charge (IIC) Madhusudan Bhoi said a search operation has been launched by a team of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Lamtaput Fire Service personnel. We have so far recovered a bag containing batteries and other equipment which he had thrown into the water moments before being swept away. The rescue operation in the hilly area has been challenging because of the rugged and rocky terrain and incessant rainfall, the IIC said. Umesh Chandra Bagh, a fire service officer, said, We have requested the Machkund dam authorities to close the gates of the reservoir. Once the water level recedes, it will help us carry out the search operation. Duduma is one of the highest waterfalls in Odisha and a popular tourist destination, located near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border

Half of pregnant, lactating women in Bhubaneswar slums use smokeless tobacco on waking

Researchers warn SLT use during pregnancy heightens the risks, like preterm births, stillbirth, babies with low birth weight, and small for gestational age.

WATCH - Bhubaneswars Club Chocolate creates unique 70-kg chocolate sculpture of PM Modi ahead of his birthday

Club Chocolate, a professional baking and fine patisserie school in Bhubaneswar, has crafted a 70-kg chocolate sculpture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark his 75th birthday.

Naveen Patnaik discharged after hospitalisation for dehydration

Naveen Patnaik, BJD president and former Odisha CM, left a Bhubaneswar hospital. He was treated for dehydration. V K Pandian accompanied him home. Patnaik thanked the people, hospital staff, and leaders for their support. PM Narendra Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wished him well. Modi invited Patnaik to Delhi. Several ministers also visited him during his stay.

Nod to Rs 8.3K cr Bhubaneswar Bypass

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved two mega infrastructure projects, including one for Odisha and another for Rajasthan, with cumulative estimated cost of over `9,500 crore. Briefing media after the meeting of the CCEA, Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the construction of a 6-lane access-controlled Capital Region Ring Road (Bhubaneswar Bypass) in Odisha with an estimated cost of Rs 8,307.74 crore has been approved. The nod has also been given to the construction of green-field Kota-Bundi airport in Rajasthan with a total estimated capital investment of Rs 1,507 crore, he added. The Minister said, the length of the ring road project for the twin capital city of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack would be 110.875 km and it would be developed on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). At present, the Rameshwar -Tangi stretch of the existing National Highway faces severe congestion due to heavy traffic moving through urban centres like Khordha, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack. The new Greenfield ring road aims to divert heavy commercial vehicles away from these cities, thereby improving freight efficiency, reducing logistics costs, and promoting socio-economic development in Odisha and neighbouring eastern states, Vaishnaw said. The alignment will integrate with three National Highways (NH-55, NH-57, NH-655) and one State Highway (SH-65), offering seamless connectivity to economic and social hubs across the region, he said. It will also connect with 10 Economic Nodes, 4 Social Nodes, and 5 Logistic Nodes, along with key infrastructure such as Bhubaneswar Airport, Khordha Railway Station, a proposed Multi-Modal Logistics Park, and two major ports (Puri and Astrang), the Minister said. Later, in a statement, the government said that following the completion, the project is expected to generate 74.43 lakh person-days of direct employment and 93.04 lakh person-days of indirect employment, creating new opportunities for local communities. Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet also cleared the proposal for building a green field airport - Kota-Bundi - in Rajasthan, the Minister said, adding that it would be funded by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). For the airport, 1,089 acres of land has been provided free of cost by the Rajasthan government and the airport will have a capacity to handle 2 million passengers per annum, he said, while noting that the new aviation facility will significantly improve regional connectivity and promote the local economy. The AAI will fund the project through its internal accruals and is expected to be completed in 24 months. In the last 11 years the number of operational airports in the country has more than doubled to 162 in 2025 from 74 in 2014. Also, the number of air passengers has increased to 41.2 crore this year from 16.8 crore in 2014, the Minister noted.

Union Cabinet approves six-lane Bhubaneswar Bypass project for 8,307.74 crore

The upgraded corridor will enhance multi-modal integration by connecting with a major railway station, an airport, a proposed multi-modal logistics park (MMLP), and two major ports

BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik stable, likely to be discharged on August 18: Hospital source

The former Odisha CM Patnaik was admitted to SUM Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar, on August 17, 2025 due to dehydration

BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik stable, likely to be discharged on Monday: Hospital source

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, admitted to SUM Ultimate Medicare in Bhubaneswar for dehydration, is now stable and expected to be discharged today. The 78-year-old leader has responded well to treatment, with his condition improving. He experienced uneasiness on Saturday night, prompting a home visit from doctors.

Odisha Farmers Allowed Self-declaration Registration For Paddy Sale: Minister

Briefing reporters in Bhubaneswar, Patra said the state government had further simplified the process to ease farmer participation in the paddy procurement drive

BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik hospitalised, condition stable

Naveen Patnaik, BJD chief and Leader of the Opposition in Odisha Assembly, was hospitalized in Bhubaneswar on Sunday due to dehydration. The 78-year-old former chief minister's condition is stable and he is responding well to treatment at SUM Ultimate Medicare. He had complained of uneasiness and had recently returned from Mumbai after undergoing spinal surgery.

Odisha Man Set Ablaze By Father, Stepmother, And Stepbrother Over Property Dispute

According to police, Jyotiranjanson from his fathers first marriagegave two dying declarations at Athantara Community Hospital and later at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, naming his father Surendra Mathia, a retired policeman, along with his stepmother Prabhati Mathia and stepbrother Prashant Mathia as the perpetrators

'Dog Shelters Won't Solve The Issue': Mohan Bhagwat On SC's Order To Confine Strays In Delhi

Mohan Bhagwat addressed a gathering at the RSS office in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of Independence Day.

Indians need to make sacrifices to keep independence 'alive': Mohan Bhagwat

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, addressing a gathering on Independence Day in Bhubaneswar, urged Indians to work diligently and make sacrifices to preserve independence. He emphasized India's duty to guide the world towards peace and prosperity, drawing upon its religion and intellect. Bhagwat envisioned India as a 'Vishwa Guru', resolving global issues and sharing its 'dharma' to create a harmonious world.

Indians Should Not Be Complacent About Independence: Bhagwat

BHUBANESWAR, Aug 15: Noting that Indians should not be complacent about independence, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said they need to do hard work and make sacrifices to keep it alive. Bhagwat made the statement while addressing a gathering at the RSS office in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of Independence Day. Our ancestors ensured Indias Independence by making supreme sacrifices We too need to be as hardworking to keep it alive and to make the country self-confident and emerge [] The post Indians Should Not Be Complacent About Independence: Bhagwat appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

IOA Formally Approves India's 2030 CWG Bid During its SGM

IOA President P T usha said along with Ahmedabad, 2010 host Delhi and Bhubaneswar will also be considered.

Big chip boost: Govt okays 4,594 cr projects; IIT Bhubaneswar to get new 45 cr SiCSem lab

Union Cabinet approves Phase-IB of Lucknow Metro project; 4 chip plants in Odisha, Punjab, AP

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved several projects, including four semiconductor plants for Odisha, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, the Phase-IB of the Lucknow Metro project and a 700 MW Tato-II hydro-electric project in Arunachal Pradesh. The Cabinet meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the India Semiconductor Mission, which has an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore to provide financial support for setting up chip facilities in the country, the government has approved four semiconductor projects entailing Rs 4,594 crore investment in the three states. According to Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, a silicon carbide semiconductor plant will be set up in Bhubaneswar with an investment of Rs 2,066 crore by SiCsem Pvt Ltd. Another plant in the state will be set up for 3D Glass manufacturing with an investment of Rs 1,943 crore. The minister said that the 3D Glass semiconductor plant will be backed by investment from leading US technology firm Intel, Lockheed Martin, etc. The Cabinet approved a chip packaging plant in Andhra Pradesh, which will be set up by Advanced System in Package Technologies Pvt Ltd with an investment of Rs 468 crore. A semiconductor project of electronic component maker firm CDIL, to be set up in Punjab with an investment of Rs 117 crore, has been approved, the minister stated. Phase-IB of Lucknow Metro project The government also approved the Phase-IB of the Lucknow Metro project with a corridor length of 11.165 km at a cost of Rs 5,801 crore. According to the government, on operationalisation of Phase-1B, Lucknow will have 34 km of active Metro rail network. In a statement, the government said that Phase-1B of the Lucknow Metro Rail Project represents a significant advancement in the city's infrastructure development, marking a major expansion of the Metro rail network in the state capital. The new corridor will introduce approximately 11.165 km of new Metro lines with 12 stations -- seven underground and five elevated -- improving public transportation in the oldest and the most densely-populated areas of the city, which currently lack efficient connectivity, the statement said. This phase aims to seamlessly integrate the key zones of Old Lucknow, including commercial hubs such as Aminabad, Yahiyaganj, Pandeyganj and Chowk, it said. It will also integrate the other key zones such as the King George's Medical University (Medical College) and major tourist attractions such as Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Bhool Bhulaiya, Clock Tower, and Rumi Darwaza, besides the culinary destinations in a city known rich and historic food culture, the statement said. By bridging these vital areas with the Metro network, Phase-1B will not only enhance connectivity but also stimulate economic activity, tourism, and ease urban mobility for both residents and visitors, it said. The Phase-1B of the project promises to deliver enhanced connectivity, reduced traffic congestion, environmental benefits, economic growth, and improved quality of life. By addressing key urban challenges and providing a foundation for future expansion, Phase-1B will play a crucial role in shaping the city's development trajectory and sustainability, the statement said. 700MW Tato-II hydro project Another major decision was the approval of Rs 8146.21 crore investment for the construction of a 700 MW Tato-II hydro-electric project in Shi Yomi District of Arunachal Pradesh. The estimated completion period for the project is 72 months, an official statement said. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved investment of Rs 8,146.21 crore for the construction of Tato-II Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Shi Yomi District of Arunachal Pradesh, it stated. The project with an installed capacity of 700 MW (4 x 175 MW) would produce 2,738.06 million units of energy. The power generated from the project will help improve the electricity supply position in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and will also help in balancing the national Grid. The Project will be implemented through a Joint Venture Co. between North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd (NEEPCO) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Government of India shall extend Rs 458.79 crore as budgetary support for the construction of roads, bridges and associated transmission line under enabling infrastructure besides Central Financial Assistance of Rs 436.13 crore towards equity share of the state. The state would benefit from 12 per cent free power and another 1 per cent towards Local Area Development Fund (LADF), besides significant infrastructure improvement and socio-economic development of the region. There will be significant improvement in infrastructure, including the development of around 32.88 kilometres of roads and bridges, for the project, which shall be mostly available for local use. The district will also benefit from the construction of essential infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, marketplaces, and playgrounds, to be financed from dedicated project funds of Rs 20 crore. Local populace shall also benefit from many sorts of compensations, employment and CSR activities, the statement said. (With inputs from PTI)

Bhubaneswar-based CIFA tolead multi-country effort to improve livelihood of aquaculture farmers

The project will directly benefit over 1,20,000 rural households, 30% of which comprise women, across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, says CIFA

BJD to move Orissa High Court on vote discrepancies in 2024 assembly, Lok Sabha polls

Bhubaneswar, Aug 12 (PTI) The BJD said that it would approach the Orissa High Court regarding discrepancies during the 2024 assembly and Lok Sabha polls, as the EC has failed to give any satisfactory reply to the regional outfit on the issue. BJD spokesperson Amar Patnaik, MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo and former MP Sarmistha Sethi made the announcement at a press conference here on Monday. Around eight months ago, BJD had submitted fact-based evidence to the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the vote discrepancy observed during last elections and sought a reply, but a satisfactory reply has not been

Odisha Woman Run Over By Thar, Dies. Her Daughter Died In Same Accident Days Ago

A woman died from injuries sustained after a Thar SUV ran over her and her two children in Odisha's Bhubaneswar, triggering protests in the city. The woman's death comes days after her eight-year-old daughter died.

'Mission Mausam': In Bid To Boost Weather Forecasting, IMD Floats Global Tenders For 10 Wind Profilers

The IMD will set up the wind profilers in 10 locations Amritsar, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Patna, Varanasi, Lucknow, Mohanbari, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, and Thiruvananthapuram

Annu, Kujur, Sreeshankar headline Indias first World Continental Tour bronze meet

BHUBANESWAR, Aug 9: Home favourites Annu Rani, Animesh Kujur and Murali Sreeshankar will spearhead the countrys challenge when Indias maiden World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze level competition gets underway at the Kalinga Stadium, here on Sunday. The one-day meet, carrying a prize purse of USD 25,000, has drawn over 150 athletes from more than 15 countries. The seasoned javelin thrower and 2023 Asian Games champion, Annu Rani will be buoyed by a 62.59-metre throw in Poland earlier this month. Ranked [] The post Annu, Kujur, Sreeshankar headline Indias first World Continental Tour bronze meet appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

CBI books AIIMS-Bhubaneswar officer, five others for jobs scam using forged documents

NEW DELHI: The CBI has booked an officer of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and five others for alleged corruption in the recruitment to Group-B and Group-C posts using forged documents, officials said on Saturday. The agency acted on the findings of its preliminary enquiry registered by it in March that prima facie showed a case of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and bribery. Assistant Administrative Officer of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar's recruitment cell Sudhir Kumar Pradhan, along with five others -- Rajashree Panda, Sangram Mishra, Sai Sagar Kar, Shri Sambit Mishra, and Sruti Sagar Kar -- have been booked by the CBI in connection with the case, officials said. The CBI has alleged that Sruti Sagar Kar, an employee of Bombay Intelligence Security (India) Limited (BIS), had conspired to secure permanent employment for his relatives and family members at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar. The recruitment process was compromised using forged educational and work experience certificates for posts advertised on July 1, 2023. It is alleged that Panda (Sruti Sagar Kar's wife), Sangram Mishra, Sai Sagar Kar and Sambit Mishra had secured the jobs on the basis of forged educational documents issued by Shree College of Paramedical Sciences, Ghaziabad. Further, no such college or university infrastructure i.e the college and Allied Healthcare Council of India to which the college is affiliated, was found to exist at the addresses mentioned on their website, the FIR has alleged. The CBI also detected irregularities regarding work experience. Certificates showing their service at B R D Medical College in Gorakhpur, in roles like sanitary inspector and medical record technician, were found to be fake. The certificates were fabricated and allegedly arranged by Sruti Sagar Kar in conspiracy with the applicants and others, officials said. The preliminary enquiry showed that Pradhan played a pivotal role in the conspiracy as he did not bring to the notice of higher authorities that the verification letter sent to the Ghaziabad institute had returned undelivered, allowing the four candidates to continue with their jobs.

CBI books AIIMS-Bhubaneswar officer, five others for corruption in recruitment

The CBI has alleged that Sruti Sagar Kar, an employee of Bombay Intelligence Security (India) Limited (BIS), had conspired to secure permanent employment for his relatives and family members at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar.

Food Delivery Agent Attacks Odisha Woman During Argument Over Delay

A food delivery agent allegedly attacked a woman with a sharp weapon after she questioned him about the delay in the service in Odisha's Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

Bhubaneswar Kalita and Dalbir Singh | Early Detection & Collective Will Can Help India To Eradicate TB

A bright coloured van rolling into a quiet village may not seem like a big deal -- but across India, such sights are fast becoming symbols of a new, determined push against tuberculosis (TB).

Finalyear student sets herself on fire in Kendrapara amid harassment claims

Bhubaneswar: In a fresh case of self-immolation, one more girl student on Wednesday died after she set herself on fire allegedly due to blackmail by her boyfriend in Pattamundai area of Kendrapara district. The victim was a last year undergraduate student of the local college. The deceased girls father while speaking to media persons alleged: 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 .

Hundreds throng Puri burn victims village to pay last respects

BHUBANESWAR: (Aug 4) Hundreds of people thronged Bayabar village in Odishas Puri district on Monday to pay last respects to the mortal remains of a 15-year-old girl who died of burn injuries. The girl, who was allegedly set on fire by three miscreants after pouring inflammable substance on her body near her house in Balanga area on July 19, was airlifted to AIIMS-Delhi the next day, but she succumbed to over 70 per cent burn injuries on Saturday evening, sparking [] The post Hundreds throng Puri burn victims village to pay last respects appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Air India cancels Bhubaneswar-Delhi flight due to 'high temperature' in aircraft cabin

MUMBAI: A Delhi-bound Air India flight from Bhubaneswar was cancelled on Sunday due to high temperature in the aircraft cabin just prior to its departure for the destination, the airline said in a statement. Air India did not provide details such as the number of people on board the aircraft, the type of aircraft or even the time the now-grounded flight was scheduled to take off from Bhubaneswar. This is the second incident of an Air India flight confronting a technical glitch in a day. This comes amid the aviation safety regulator DGCA detecting over 100 violations and observations, with some of them identified as critical safety risks, during an audit of the Tata Group-run private carrier, and one of its Boeing 787-8 plane operating its London Gatwick flight crashing on a medical college within minutes of its take-off on June 12, killing 241 people on board and 19 on ground. Flight AI500 scheduled to operate from Bhubaneswar to Delhi on August 3 has been cancelled due to a technical issue causing high cabin temperature on ground prior to the departure, Air India said in a statement. Our airport team in Bhubaneswar is assisting the impacted passengers with alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination to Delhi. We regret the inconvenience caused, the airline said. The flight, according to flight tracking website flightradar24.com, was to be operated by an Airbus A321 aircraft at its scheduled time of 12. 35 pm, and land in Delhi at 2.55 pm. Earlier in the day, Air India said its flight AI349 scheduled to operate from Singapore to Chennai was cancelled due to a maintenance task identified prior to departure, which required additional time for rectification. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation last week detected around 100 violations and observations related to Air India's training, crew's rest and duty period norms, and airfield qualification, among others, sources had said. Of these, as many as seven have been identified as Level-1 violations, which are considered critical safety risks and require immediate corrective action by the air operator, they had said. An online pan-India survey last month had stated that around 76 per cent of respondents opined that many airlines in India are spending more on publicity than safety. The online survey conducted by LocalCircles revealed that as many as 64 per cent of these respondents had experienced at least one rough flight in the last three years, involving a difficult takeoff, landing, or inflight situation. Many Indian airlines spend more on publicity than on passenger safety: Survey

Congress flags concern over women's safety in BJP states, seeks fast-track courts to deal with cases

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday slammed the BJP over recent incidents of crimes against women in states ruled by the saffron party, and demanded proper compensation and security for the victims' families as well as fast-track courts to deal with such cases. Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba attacked the BJP over the death of a 15-year-old girl from Odisha , who was allegedly set on fire by three unidentified miscreants in Puri district. The girl succumbed to her burn injury while undergoing treatment in AIIMS Delhi. You failed to catch the criminals and get them punished. The daughter died and today the police says that no one was involved in this, she said at a press conference here. ' ' , pic.twitter.com/mpjQhztxnB Congress (@INCIndia) August 3, 2025 Lamba also pointed out that during the Assembly session in Madhya Pradesh, Congress MLA Arif Masood asked how many SC-ST women were raped in the state from 2022 to 2024, and the answer was 7,418. A girl from Odisha died. Earlier, a girl studying in Fakir Mohan College alleged sexual harassment but did not get justice. She set herself on fire. That girl died in Bhubaneswar and now a 15-year-old girl has died in AIIMS Delhi, Lamba said. In the name of religion in Chhattisgarh, police arrested our sisters associated with Christian missionaries, she said. Today, we are once again ashamed. In Ahmedabad, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a shameful poster has been put up by the traffic police, which states that daughters in Gujarat should not go out of their homes. If they go out and go to a party at night, they can be raped, the Congress leader said, as she showed a photograph of the poster. Now I come to the case of Karnataka. Prajwal Revanna from Hassan has been convicted of rape . You know that Prajwal Revanna is a mass rapist... Prime Minister Narendra Modi had campaigned for him and sought votes, Lamba said. But today I feel proud to tell you that Rahul Gandhi ji took this issue seriously, and told the Congress government in Karnataka not to come under any pressure because Prajwal Ravanna has the support of two prime ministers... one former and the current. Revanna has now been sentenced to life imprisonment, she added. Women's safety remains a serious issue in the country and that is why Mahila Congress will continue its 'Nyay March', Lamba said. Police are trying to crush the demand for justice but we are not going to stop. Mahila Congress has decided to ensure justice for the victims and punishment for the culprits. Our demands are -- victims' families must be given security and proper compensation, and cases related to women's safety should be tried in fast-track courts and justice be given to the victims, she said.

15-yr-old Odisha girl set on fire by miscreants dies in AIIMS Delhi

Bhubaneswar: The 15-year-old girl who was allegedly set on fire by three unidentified miscreants in Puri district a fortnight ago, succumbed to her burn injury while undergoing treatment in AIIMS Delhi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Saturday, August 2. The girl was allegedly kidnapped and set on fire by three unknown people 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 .

15-year-old Odisha girl who was set ablaze by miscreants dies after week-long battle at AIIMS Delhi

BHUBANESWAR: The 15-year-old girl who was set on fire by unidentified youths in Puris Balanga on July 19 succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national capital on Saturday evening. The girl had sustained 75 per cent burns and was admitted to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar on July 19. Amid massive political furore, she was airlifted from Bhubaneswar and admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery at AIIMS-New Delhi a day later. She underwent surgery for the management of deep burns on July 23. However, she remained on oxygen support and her condition continued to be critical. In a post on X, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed shock over her death. I am deeply shocked by the death of the Balanga incident victim. Despite all the efforts of the government and the round-the-clock endeavours of the specialist medical team at AIIMS-New Delhi, her life could not be saved, he said. While the police have so far not made any arrests in the case, it is also being investigated from the suicide angle. Sources said the Odisha Police may issue a formal statement regarding the status of the investigation. On July 19, the girl was allegedly on her way to a friends place in Balanga when three unidentified miscreants set her on fire. She was rescued by a local villager before being shifted to the community health centre at Pipili, from where she was moved to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar. As her condition deteriorated, she was airlifted to AIIMS-Delhi a day later. Since the incident came close on the heels of the death by suicide of a student of FM Autonomous College in Balasore, it grabbed national headlines and led to a huge political slugfest. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also expressed deep condolences over the minors death.

Minor girl set ablaze in Puri dies: AIIMS confirms 75% burns; Odisha CM expresses shock, miscreants still at large

A 15-year-old girl from Odisha, who suffered severe burns after being set on fire by unidentified individuals on June 19, has tragically passed away despite intensive medical care at AIIMS New Delhi. The victim, who sustained over 75% burn injuries, was initially treated in Bhubaneswar before being transferred to Delhi.

'Fake' Bank Guarantee Racket Case: ED Arrests MD Of Odisha-Based Company

Biswal Tradelink Managing Director Partha Sarathi Biswal was taken into custody from Bhubaneswar under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Proposal for amicable resolution of Mahanadi river water dispute under consideration: Chhattisgarh CM to Odisha CM

BHUBANESWAR: In a significant development in the Mahanadi river water dispute, Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai has assured his Odisha counterpart Mohan Charan Majhi that the proposal given by him for an amicable resolution is under consideration. Sai said in a letter on Friday to Mohan Charan Majhi, I am in receipt of your letter of July 25, 2025, regarding the proposal for an amicable settlement of the Mahanadi water disputes between our states and the same is under consideration. The Odisha chief minister had reached out to the Chhattisgarh chief minister, proposing that the dispute, which has been persisting for several years, should be resolved through talks between the two states. Meanwhile, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has deferred its next hearing to September 6, informed Advocate General Pitambar Acharya. He said that there has been progress in discussions at both the chief secretary and political levels, with both states expressing willingness to move toward a settlement. Presiding over a high level meeting on July 23, Majhi had emphasised on an early solution to the water dispute. The Mahanadi river water dispute with Chhattisgarh can be resolved through discussions between the governments of the two states with support from the Centre. The Central Water Commission (CWC) can provide technical assistance in this regard, he had stated. Sai and Majhi had in March 22 agreed to find a way for a peaceful and amicable solution to the Mahanadi water sharing dispute between the two neighbouring states. Sai met Majhi at the Lok Seva Bhavan here during a visit to Odisha. Majhi also had a discussion with Sai regarding the water dispute at the conference of water resources ministers in Rajasthan in February.

Afghan kingpin behind fake Indian passport racket busted in Jabalpur, MP

BHOPAL: A major racket facilitating illegal Afghan nationals in acquiring Indian passports has been busted in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested three individuals, including the alleged kingpin, an Afghan national identified as Sohbat Khan, who had been living illegally in Jabalpur for the past decade. Khan, who had married a local woman during his stay and managed to obtain an Indian passport in 2020 using forged documents, was reportedly helping other Afghan youths residing illegally in West Bengal and Chhattisgarh to obtain Indian passports using fake address proofs linked to Jabalpur. The two local aides arrested alongside Khan have been identified as Dinesh Garg (40), a resident of Jabalpurs Vijay Nagar area and a forest guard posted at the election cell in the Jabalpur district collectors office, and Mahendra Kumar Sukhdan (45). Afghan national arrested with forged Indian passport at Bhubaneswar airport According to the ongoing probe by Madhya Pradesh Polices ATS, Khan not only secured his own Indian passport fraudulently but also facilitated the same for at least 20 other Afghan youths. Two such individuals, Akbar and Iqbal, both living illegally in West Bengal, have already managed to obtain Indian passports using fake Jabalpur address proofs. Investigations have revealed that original Aadhar cards bearing West Bengal addresses were altered to reflect addresses from Jabalpur. Khan and his aides reportedly paid local youths in Jabalpur to help create forged documents, assist in police verifications, and facilitate the issuance of passports through local post offices. Monetary transactions totalling approximately Rs 10 lakh have been traced so far in connection with the racket. ATS officials are currently interrogating Khan to uncover the wider network, especially individuals involved in forging documents and facilitating official clearances. Khans illegal stay dates back to 2015, when he first obtained a driving licence from Jabalpur, which later helped him secure an Indian passport five years later. The investigation is ongoing, with further arrests and revelations anticipated.

Odisha peon served urine instead of water to junior engineer, probe begins

Bhubaneswar: The police on Friday issued a notice to a peon asking him to clarify his alleged role in serving urine instead of drinking water to a newly appointed junior engineer at a government department in Odishas Gajapati district, an officer said. The peon, however, asserted that he had taken the water from a purifier 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 .

AIIMS Bhubaneswar nursing officer held for 'sexual harassment' of woman attendant

Immediately after the registration of the FIR, all the employees, including the woman attendant started a demonstration outside the main gate of the hospital

Three detained at Bhubaneswar airport with hydroponic weed worth Rs 30 crore

BHUBANESWAR: In a major drug haul, the Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate on July 29 seized hydroponic weed from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) and detained three persons from Uttar Pradesh in connection with the case. Sources said the contraband, the highly potent variety of ganja, grown using the hydroponic method, was recovered from six bags that arrived on a flight from Bangkok. Suspicious about the luggage, the customs officials checked them during their routine check. Upon inspection, they found the bags containing the high-grade cannabis. While the exact quantity of the seized contraband is yet to be known, sources said the consignment could be worth around Rs 30 crore, making it one of the highest drug seizures at the Bhubaneswar airport. Sources said the accused are being interrogated to uncover the source of the narcotics and the intended destination, and to find if Bhubaneswar was being used as one of the transit points for its smuggling in a broader network. A Kerala native had also been arrested by the customs officials from BPIA after the recovery of around 7 kg of the contraband, worth around Rs 7 crore, from him in January this year.

Bhubaneswar BJD Corporator Arrested In Rape Case, Suspended From Party

BJD corporator of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Amaresh Jena, was arrested from Balasore district on Sunday in connection with a rape case lodged against him in the state capital, police said.

BJD corporator arrested in rape case, suspended from party

BJD corporator Amaresh Jena was arrested in Balasore district following a rape complaint filed against him in Bhubaneswar. The survivor accused Jena of rape, forced abortion, and intimidation. Consequently, Jena has been suspended from the Biju Janata Dal, with the party emphasizing its pro-women stance and adherence to the law.

Bhubaneswar Metro Contracts Scrapped Over Delays

Odisha to reboot project with new blueprint, fresh DPR, tenders in pipeline as state affirms commitment to urban transit overhaul: Reports