Curfew Imposed in Parts of Odishas Cuttack Lifted After Restoration of Law and Order
During the curfew period, authorities report no new untoward incidents and state that law and order was maintained.
Curfew relaxed in Cuttack; restrictions still in place
The administration has suspended internet services for 48 hours till 7 p.m. on October 7 to prevent anti-social elements from misusing the facility to spread rumours and disturb communal harmony
Cuttack Violence: Police Arrest Man For Spreading Rumours On Social Media Amid Curfew
Accused Pradeep Chandra Sahu posted objectionable and caste-based content on social media.
Internet Ban Extended In Odisha's Cuttack After Clashes During Durga Idol Immersion | Top Updates
The bandh call was given by VHP alleging police inaction on the miscreants who created violence during Durga idol immersion procession.
Odisha: 8 arrested after Cuttack clashes; RDC vows strict action against lawbrea
Following Durga Puja immersion clashes in Cuttack, a curfew remains in effect until 10 am with internet restrictions extended for 24 hours. Eight people have been arrested, and police continue to monitor CCTV and drone footage. Authorities urge public cooperation for full restoration of peace
Odisha: 8 arrested after Cuttack clashes; internet ban, curfew extended for another...
Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhola announced that internet restrictions in Cuttack have been extended for another 24 hours, with a curfew in place until 10 am tomorrow.
Cuttack clash: VHP bandh peaceful; internet ban, curfew extended
Cuttack: The dawn-to-dusk bandh in violence-hit Cuttack called by the VHP on Monday passed off peacefully amid heavy security deployment, while the district administration extended the suspension of internet services till 7 PM on October 7. The bandh call was given by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) alleging police inaction on the miscreants who created 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 .
Women's World Cup: Brits Century, Luus Brilliance Secure Six-wicket Win For South Africa
For New Zealand: Tazmin Brits superb 101, along with an unbeaten 83 from Sune Luus, powered South Africa to a commanding six-wicket victory over New Zealand in their Womens World Cup clash at the Holkar Stadium on Monday. Chasing 232, Proteas were on a roll as the openers Brits and Laura Wolvaardt kept the scoring rate high early in the innings. Brits and Wolvaardt smashed three boundaries in the first two overs of the powerplay to set the tone of their chase. The Proteas captain hammered two more boundaries in the next over before falling to Jess Kerr on the score of 14. Sune Luus joined Brits in the middle and carried the momentum deep in the innings as the duo snatched the match away from New Zealand. After a brief caution, Luus and Brits kept finding boundaries at regular intervals to keep the run rate over five throughout their innings. South Africa were 54/1 after the end of the powerplay. Brits hit Sophie Devine for two fours in the 11th over to continue putting pressure on White Ferns. In the 13th over, Luus too joined the party with the first six of the match off Amelia Kerr. The boundaries kept coming from both ends as New Zealand bowlers failed to assert any noticeable halt to the scoring rate. South Africa reached the three-figure mark in the 17th over with both batters cruising to their half-centuries. Brits was the first to reach the half-century with a four towards long-on in the 19th over. Brits upped the ante after completing her fifty as the duo stitched their fifth century partnership in ODIs in 2025 - the most by a South African pair in a calendar year. They also broke the previous record for the highest World Cup partnership for any wicket for South Africa, bettering 128-run stand between Marizanne Kapp & Dane van Niekerk for the sixth wicket against Pakistan in Cuttack in 2013. Meanwhile, Luus also raced to her half-century as South reached 159/1 after 26 overs. The flow of run remained steady as South Africa were marching towards a commanding victory before a run-put appeal by wicketkeeper give a slight tension in Proteas dugout. However, the replay showed that Brits comfortably landed her foot inside the crease before Isabella Gaze took off the bails. The pair raised up 150-run stand before Brits reached her fifth ODI century of the year to score most hundreds in a calendar year surpassing Smriti Mandhana's record of four tons in the ongoing year. Brits also took the fewest (41) innings to reach to seven ODI centuries. Just after reaching the triple-figure mark, Brits was cleaned up by Lea Tahuhu to give some respite to the Kiwi camp. Her stellar innings of 101 in 89 balls, including 15 fours and a solitary six. New Zealand tried to make a comeback in the match as they removed Marizanne Kapp (14) and Anneke Bosch (0) cheaply but there was not enough runs left on the board to defend as Luus and Sinalo Jafta remained unbeaten on 83 and 6 respectively as South Africa chased the target with 55 balls to spare. For New Zealand, Amelia Kerr bagged two scalps while Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu got hold of one wicket each. Earlier, left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba starred with a four-wicket haul as South Africa bowled out New Zealand for 231, despite a fighting 85 from Sophie Devine. Opting to bat first, Kiwis had a worst possible start as they lost veteran opener Suzie Bates on a duck, that too on the first ball of the match in her 350th international game for New Zealand. She was trapped in front of the wickets by Proteas pacer Marizanne Kapp to put White Ferns under pressure. It was Bates' second consecutive duck in the tournament after failing to score against Australia at the same venue. However, Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr staged a comeback for their side with a 44-run crucial partnership for the second wicket. After the early setback, the duo took a cautious approach and dragged the side to 38/1 after the end of the powerplay. The partnership was put to an end by Nadine de Klerk in the 13th over as she removed Amelia Kerr for 23. New Zealand captain Sophie Devine joined Plimmer in the middle, and the duo engaged in another vital stand as South Africa didn't give a chance to score freely despite the end of the powerplay. Devine and Plimmer added a 57-run stand for the third wicket, with the former contributing more than half of the runs. Chloe Tryon brought the third scalp for Proteas with Plimmer handing a simple catch to Nadine de Klerk at long-on, reducing New Zealand to 101/3 after 25.4 overs. Brooke Halliday's arrival at the crease lifted the scoring rate for New Zealand, with Devine also supporting from the other end. Halliday played shots to her will and scored boundaries at regular intervals. Meanwhile, Devine completed her 17th ODI half-century and continued to hold one end strong as the Kiwis crossed the 150-run mark. Nonkululeko Mlaba broke the 86-run partnership by removing Halliday in the 39th over. Halliday contributed a quickfire 45 in 37 balls laced with six fours. New Zealand faltered after that and lost Maddy Green (4) and Isabella Gaze (10) quickly before Mlaba bowled out Devine for 85 in the 45th over to bring New Zealand's innings to its decisive end. Devines knock was studded with nine fours and came at a crucial juncture for the side, while featuring in her 300th international game. Meanwhile, Devine completed her 17th ODI half-century and continued to hold one end strong as the Kiwis crossed the 150-run mark. Nonkululeko Mlaba broke the 86-run partnership by removing Halliday in the 39th over. Halliday contributed a quickfire 45 in 37 balls laced with six fours. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Brief Scores: New Zealand 231/10 in 47.5 overs (Sophie Devine 85, Brooke Halliday 45; Nonkululeko Mlaba 4-40) lost to South Africa 234/4 in 40.5 overs (Tanzim Brits 101, Sune Luus 83 not out; Amelia Kerr 2-62) by six wickets. Article Source: IANS
Odisha extends Internet shutdown in Cuttack for another 24 hours as precautionary measure
Officials said the extension was a precautionary measure to prevent any possible flare-up or spread of misinformation that could reignite tensions
Suspension of internet services in violence-hit Cuttack extended till 7 pm of Oct 7
Internet services in Cuttack have been extended until October 7. This follows violent incidents during Durga idol immersion last week. The district administration cited the misuse of social media for spreading provocative messages. Two clashes injured 31 people, including police. Authorities aim to prevent further disturbances and maintain peace.
Tensions rise in Cuttack as idol immersion triggers clashes, curfew and internet ban
Cuttack Turns Communal: Internet Suspended, 24-Hr Social Media Ban After Clashes
VHP was denied permission for the rally, said police. The police and VHP clashed in Odisha's Cuttack on Sunday.
Cuttack violence: Eight arrested; bandh under way amid heavy security
Commissioner of Police S. Dev Datta Singh said the situation is under control
Odisha: Clashes erupt during Durga idol immersion over loud music
Clashes erupted between Hindus and Muslims during Durga idol immersions in Cuttack, Odisha over loud music being played during a procession while it was passing a dargah on October 4. The tense situation led to a 36-hour curfew and internet shut down in the city. The incident occurred between 1:30-2:00 AM when the Durga idol 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 .
Tension palpable in violence-hit Cuttack, heavy security deployed amid 12-hour bandh
Cuttack city faced tension on Monday. A 12-hour bandh was underway amid prohibitory orders. Violence erupted during Durga Puja immersion processions. Clashes between VHP activists and police followed. Internet services were suspended. Police forces were deployed across the city. Entry restrictions were imposed. Authorities reported no incidents.
Cuttack clashes: 36-hour long curfew imposed, 60 platoons of police forces deployed
Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania appeals to the people to avoid rumours and check the websites of the police and the Commissionerate and the Twitter handles to understand any facts related to the incident
Cuttack news: Cuttack experienced fresh violence on Sunday, injuring 25 people, following clashes that began Friday during an idol immersion procession over loud music. Authorities imposed prohibitory orders in 13 police areas and suspended internet services to curb inflammatory messages. Six arrests have been made, and the VHP has called for a bandh.
Cuttack bandh: 36-hour curfew, internet banned; city on edge after violent clashes - Key points
Cuttack witnessed fresh communal tensions and violent clashes on Sunday. Police denied permission for a bike rally, leading to stone pelting and arson. At least 25 people, including eight police personnel, sustained injuries. Authorities imposed a 36-hour curfew and suspended internet services. The chief minister urged peace. The unrest began during a Durga idol immersion procession on Friday night.
Assistant Fire Officer Sanjeeb Kumar Behera reported that rioters were throwing stones. However, police have been deployed to manage the situation.
Curfew, Internet Cut in Cuttack After Clashes
Fresh violence erupted on Sunday, a day after stone-pelting incidents occurred during Durga Puja immersion
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Cuttack: Internet services suspended amid tensions over clashes during Durga idol immersion
In addition, the use of social media platforms has also been prohibited in the area. It will remain effective in the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the 42 Mauza Region. Read on to know more on this.
Violence in Cuttack during Durga idol immersion, govt suspends internet
According to officials, CCTV cameras installed along the route were damaged, and shops in Gourishankar Park area were allegedly set on fire after police stopped the procession
Internet Banned, Shops Vandalised: Clashes In Odisha's Cuttack
Odisha's Cuttack, the thousand-year-old city long celebrated for its communal harmony, remained on edge on Sunday after fresh incidents of violence erupted following clashes during Durga Puja idol immersion two days earlier.
VHP calls 12-hour bandh on Monday in Cuttack following Durga Puja violence
Cuttack experienced unrest on Sunday. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad announced a 12-hour bandh for Monday. This decision followed clashes during Durga Puja idol immersion. The VHP stated the administration failed to maintain peace. They sought the transfer of the DCP and district collector. The bandh aims to protest administrative actions.
Cuttack tense after violence during Durga idol immersion; VHP calls 12-hour bandh on Monday
According to officials, the violence erupted after some locals objected to high-decibel music being played during the procession
CM Majhi Urges Peace After Cuttack Clash During Durga Immersion
Calls for unity, warns of strict action against miscreants as tension simmers: Reports
Cuttack Tense After Clashes During Durga Idol Immersion: Internet Suspended, VHP Calls Bandh
Violence erupted during Goddess Durga idol immersion in Cuttack, injuring several including DCP. Internet was suspended and VHP called a bandh on October 6.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had organised a motorcycle rally on Sunday evening despite orders from the district administration. Officials said CCTV cameras along the route were damaged and shops in the Gourishankar Park area were set on fire after police tried to stop the procession. Due to the tense law and order situation, the state government suspended internet services from 7 pm on Sunday to 7 pm on Monday.
Odisha govt imposes 24-hour social media ban in Cuttack amid communal tension
The Mohan Charan Majhi-led Odisha government imposed a temporary ban on social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and X, across several parts of Cuttack. This restriction, effective from Sunday 7 pm to Monday 7 pm, followed violent clashes between two groups in the city. The ban covers the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, CDA, and 42 Mouza zones.
Navratri 2025: 400 kg silver, 3 kg gold crown adorn Durga idol in Cuttack
This year, the theme used in Matas Puja is based on Operation Sindoor.
Container Truck Plunges Into Harabhangi Dam In Odishas Gajapati; Driver Escapes Unhurt
The truck, en route from Rayagada to Cuttack, reportedly lost control while negotiating a turn and veered off the road into the reservoir. The driver, who was travelling alone, had a narrow escape by jumping out of the vehicle just in time.
Odisha Man Travels 175 Km To Reconcile With Estranged Wife, Slits Her Throat In Public
The man travelled from Cuttack to Balasore to reconcile with his estranged wife but brutally attacked her in public.
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.
Monkey Stranded On Electric Pole In Cuttack, Rescued After 3 hours
What began as a curious sight soon turned into a tense rescue drama. The monkey, which had been leaping from tree to tree, suddenly scampered up the electric pole and froze. Onlookers watched in growing concern as the animal showed no signs of climbing down
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.
DNA test of child in face of mothers admission an insult to her motherhood: HC
Cuttack, Sep 6: The Orissa High Court has maintained that directing the DNA test of a child on the face of admission of the mother would be an insult to her motherhood and against the law. This was observed by Justice BP Routray, the single bench judge of the Orissa High Court, which rejected a petition to direct DNA test of an opponent party in a property partition case. The opposition party had challenged the trial courts judgment, which rejected [] The post DNA test of child in face of mothers admission an insult to her motherhood: HC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Out of 85 open heart surgeries performed since January 2025, as many as 26 patients did not survive
Odisha clerk amasses property 201% excess of his income
The government employee is in possession of 19 high-valued plots and building in and around Cuttack
221 Unsafe Buildings Identified in Cuttack, HC Orders Phased Demolition
The High Court has directed the administration to file a detailed affidavit and progress report by September 18. It has further warned that criminal proceedings will be initiated against occupants who defy eviction orders.
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.
The nod for the two projects, cumulatively worth over Rs 9,800 crore, came during the Cabinet meeting chaired by PM Modi on Tuesday.
Odisha Auto Driver Sexually Assaults Minor Girl, Threatens To Set Her On Fire
An autorickshaw driver was arrested for sexually assaulting a minor girl and allegedly threatening to set her on fire if she resisted in Odisha's Cuttack.
RSS chief Bhagwat says stray dog crisis needs population control not sheltering
CUTTACK: Amidst the raging controversy over the Supreme Court order , Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said the stray dog crisis can be resolved by regulating the canine population, and not by sending the animals to shelter homes. All animals have the right to live, said Bhagwat, speaking at the birth anniversary celebrations of Srila Prabhupada and the centenary celebrations of Sri Sachchidananda Math organised by the Gaudiya Vaishnava Sammilani at Cuttack. He emphasised the fine equilibrium between man and nature. The crisis can be solved by regulating the street dog population and not by sending them to shelters, he said. While milking cows, Indians take some milk and leave the rest for the calf, which is an art of striking a balance between man and nature. Nature should be conserved by maintaining a balance between development and the environment, he said. Bhagwat went to Puri, where he visited the Shree Jagannath Temple to seek the blessings of the deities and then met Shankaracharya Nischalananda Saraswati. The RSS chief arrived here on Wednesday evening. He is scheduled to hoist the national flag at the Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti office in the capital city and address the gathering on Independence Day. Stray dogs in Delhi: SC slams local authorities for inaction, reserves order
'Striking a balance': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on stray dog menace; calls for regulating population
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed Delhi's stray dog issue, advocating for population control over shelters, emphasizing that all animals have the right to live. Speaking in Cuttack, he referenced a Supreme Court directive regarding stray relocation. Bhagwat highlighted the importance of balancing human needs with nature, using the example of leaving milk for a calf while milking a cow.
Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Leads Grand Tiranga Yatra In Cuttack
The rally, which began at Jhinkiria and culminated at Chanduli, transformed the streets into a sea of saffron, white and green. Participants including Cuttack Sadar MLA Prakash Chandra Sethi took part in both a foot march and a high-energy motorbike procession, drawing cheers from residents lining the route
Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik slams govt for scrapping metro project
Naveen Patnaik criticizes the BJP government for halting the Bhubaneswar Metro project. He says it delays the city's progress. The previous plan was approved during Patnaik's term. The BJP defends its decision. They claim the old route was not practical. A broader Puri-Bhubaneswar-Cuttack route is now under consideration. A new plan is in progress to connect major cities.
Salary Withheld For College Staff In Odishas Cuttack Over ICC Report Lapses
The directive, issued by Cuttack District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde on July 21, comes after repeated reminders were ignored by a majority of the 210 degree and higher secondary colleges under his jurisdiction.
SC To Hear Plea Against Odishas Tiger Reserve plan
The petition seeks to quash provisional no objection certificates issued by the district collectors of Angul, Nayagarh, Boudh and Cuttack, which allegedly permit new construction within and around the reserve: Reports
SC agrees to hear plea against proposed constructions in Satkosia Tiger Reserve
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a plea raising concerns over the alleged proposed constructions inside the Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha. A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi was urged by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal to hear the plea. The bench said it would hear the matter next week. Bansal raised concerns over reported permission granted by the local administration for eco-tourism related constructions within the protected area. The district collector has issued such permissions for construction of an eco-tourism spot. How can this be permitted? he said. I am just fighting for forests, Bansal added. The Satkosia Tiger Reserve, spread across the districts of Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh in Odisha, is a crucial habitat for tigers, elephants, and several endangered species. The plea sought quashing of provisional no objection certificates (NOC) issued by district collectors of Angul, Nayagarh, Boudh and Cuttack for development works inside and around the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The petitioner argued it was without jurisdiction and in violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the plea said, in April 2018 directed all states for mandatory delineation of eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around tiger reserves. The plea said these directions clearly stipulated where a protected area formed part of the buffer, a minimum one kilometer ESZ must be demarcated around it. There are multiple large-scale and systemic issues affecting the ecological and legal integrity of Satkosia Tiger Reserve, which require independent attention and urgent consideration of this court, it said. In line with the NTCA's April 2018 direction, the petitioner said, the Odisha government recently submitted a draft proposal for declaration of ESZ around Satkosia Tiger Reserve to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for final notification. However, the said draft, if approved in its current form, will seriously compromise the ecological integrity and conservation dignity of the tiger reserve, it alleged. The proposed tourism-centric development activities in and around the tiger reserve, including the construction of high-impact infrastructure and grant of arbitrary NOCs, were said to be contrary to the precautionary principle and violate the statutory framework under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The zero-kilometre ESZ boundary proposed in parts of Satkosia Tiger Reserve violates NTCA's 2018 directive, which mandates a minimum 1 km buffer from core tiger habitat wherever the buffer is absent or disjunct, the plea added. It claimed the issuance of no objection certificates by district collectors and non-forest authorities for tourism infrastructure within and around a notified tiger reserve constituted an unlawful usurpation of statutory powers reserved for designated authorities under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and violates the binding directives of the apex court. The plea alleged the actions of state government and its agencies exhibited a deliberate pattern of undermining central environmental regulations through procedural shortcuts and executive overreach, including attempts to modify ESZ notifications to dilute their protective scope for commercial tourism purposes. It also sought a direction to the state to withdraw the draft ESZ proposal relating to Satkosia Tiger Reserve.
In Odisha's Balasore, a 19-year-old student sustained burns while attempting to rescue his senior, who self-immolated following allegations of sexual harassment against a faculty member. The courageous student is currently receiving treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack with 15% burns. The Chief Minister and Health Minister have assured the best possible medical care for him.
India moving from women empowerment to women-led development: President
CUTTACK, July 15: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said India was moving from women empowerment to women-led development. Addressing the 13th annual convocation of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack, she said female students outperforming their male classmates in 21 out of 27 departments of the varsity this year was a testament to it. Over the last five years, girl students have consistently outperformed boys in academics at the institute. At the post-graduate level, the number of girl students who topped was [] The post India moving from women empowerment to women-led development: President appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Earlier in the day, the President conferred degrees on hundreds of graduates from various disciplines during the AIIMS convocation. She is scheduled to attend the 13th convocation of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack on Tuesday.
Centre set to approve 110-km Bhubaneswar bypass; road to connect Khurda and Cuttack
Odisha is poised to receive a significant infrastructure boost with a Rs 8,300 crore, 110-km six-lane Greenfield Capital Region Ring Road project. This Bhubaneswar Bypass aims to alleviate congestion on the existing NH-16, connecting Khurda, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack.
Death Toll Of Odisha Workers In Telangana Factory Blast Rises To 9
The latest victim of the factory blast was identified as Purna Chandra Sahu, a native of Sukarpada in Cuttack district
Goods Train Derails Near Cuttack Station; No Casualties Reported
According to East Coast Railway (ECoR) sources, the derailment happened on Route No. 8 (loop line) within the Cuttack Yard, likely during a track change. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported
Three wagons of goods train derail in Odisha's Cuttack, none injured
A relief train with machines, material and manpower has already been mobilised and the loop line in the yard will be restored soon
100 workers from Bengal confined in Odisha; Mamata Banerjee expresses concern
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee voiced her apprehension regarding the confinement of approximately 100 Bengali-speaking migrant workers in Odisha, specifically in Cuttack and Balasore. Banerjee has directed Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to engage with his Odisha counterpart to address and resolve the concerning situation.
Afghan Man Arrested In Odisha For Living Illegally In India
An Afghan national, Mohammad Yousaf alias Yaha Khan, was arrested at Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, for entering India on a forged Indian passport and living in Cuttack under a false identity since 2018.
Afghan national arrested with forged Indian passport at Bhubaneswar airport
BHUBANESWAR: Amid rising national security concerns over illegal infiltration and potential espionage threats , an Afghan national masquerading as an Indian citizen was arrested at Biju Patnaik International Airport, police sources said on Sunday. The accused, identified as Mohammad Yousaf alias Yaha Khan, was caught red-handed on his arrival from Dubai on an IndiGo flight. He was using a forged Indian passport. The Airport police arrested Yousaf on Saturday on the complaint of DSP (immigration) Samapika Pattnaik whose team during a routine immigration clearance of Flight No. 6E-1488 arriving from Dubai spotted him with the counterfeit Indian passport (No. U1380251) issued in the name of Yaha Khan, purportedly a resident of Cuttack. Acting on suspicion, the immigration team conducted a thorough background check, which revealed a discreet look out circular (LOC) issued from Kolkata airport against the accused. Further system verification confirmed that the person was, in fact, Mohammad Yousaf, a 54-year-old man from Afghanistan, holding a genuine Afghan passport (No. 02457655). Police sources said he had allegedly illegally entered India in 2018, adopting a false Indian identity and securing official documents through forged means. Investigations revealed that Yousaf had fraudulently acquired multiple Indian identity documents, including Aadhaar (No. 2347 1649 4378), PAN (BERPK1646E), Voter ID (YNY1493030) and Driving License (OR0519910002562) apart from the fake Indian passport. He had been residing in Peyton Sahi, Buxi Bazar area of Cuttack and operating as alias Yaha Khan, successfully blending into society while concealing his true identity. He not only lived undetected for years but also misused the forged documents to travel, conduct business, and open bank accounts across states. Officials have expressed concern that such forged identities could be used for espionage, smuggling, or terror-related activities, especially at a time when India is facing heightened intelligence threats. Sources said Yousaf confessed to his real identity during interrogation and admitted to fabricating multiple Indian documents. The investigating team also seized fake identity cards, foreign currencies, Rs 80,000 in cash, a smartphone, two gold earrings, a motorcycle registration certificate and bank documents in the forged name from his possession. The accused has been produced in court and remanded in judicial custody. Further investigation is underway to uncover any wider network and potential national security implications. We are now investigating the network that might have aided him in obtaining these documents and whether he was part of a larger sleeper cell or illegal intelligence operation, said an official. India not 'dharmshala,' Ranchi 'converted to Karachi': BJP wants action against alleged infiltration in Jharkhand
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Describing it as a significant breakthrough against organised crime, police officials revealed that the arrested individuals include criminals from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odishas Cuttack district.
