Silver for the goddess | Why Cuttacks GI-tagged Tarakasi art form is facing a precarious future

March is when the Rupa Tarakasi craftsmen of Cuttack begin work for Durga Puja, but the artisans of this 500-year-old art form are struggling to stay afloat

Ten industrial projects worth Rs 1.65 lakh crore get approval of HLCA

BHUBANESWAR: The high-level clearance authority (HLCA) of the Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved 10 industrial projects worth Rs 1,65,303 crore on Thursday. Vedanta Ltd led the projects, with an investment of Rs 91,528 crore. The projects, aimed to generate 51,939 jobs, spans across key sectors, including steel, aluminium, power, green hydrogen, engineering goods and green energy equipment, and would come up in Bhadrak, Cuttack, Ganjam, Keonjhar, Khurda, Mayurbhanj and Rayagada districts. The HLCA approved two projects worth Rs 91,528 crore of Vedanta Ltd in Rayagada district, which is the highest investment. The company would invest Rs 50,537 crore for setting up a six million tonne per annum (MTPA) alumina refinery. The second project is a greenfield 1.2 MTPA aluminium smelter which will be set up with an investment of Rs 40,991 crore. The two projects would generate job opportunities for 15,900 people. JSW Steel Ltd got the next highest share of the investment at Rs 35,000 crore for setting up a five MTPA integrated steel plant along with upstream and downstream facilities in Keonjhar district. The project would be set up by a joint venture between JSW and South Korean steel giant POSCO. At least 8,000 employments will be generated by the project. Shyam Steel Works Pvt Ltd will establish a 1.5 MTPA integrated steel plant along with upstream and down-stream facilities worth Rs 5,200 crore in Bhadrak. OCL Iron and Steel Ltd will be expanding its steel production with an investment of Rs 3,000 crore to set up a 1.2 MTPA integrated steel plant in Keonjhar. Orissa Thermal Energy Ltd will set up a 2400 MW (3X800 MW) ultra super critical coal-based thermal power plant at an investment of Rs 18,450 crore in Cuttack district and employ 8,100 people. In the railway equipment manufacturing sector, Jupiter Tatravagonka Railwheel Factory Pvt Ltd will expand its existing plant at Khurda with an investment of Rs 1,090 crore. Other projects include Orissa Metallurgical Industry Pvt Ltds titanium complex at a cost of Rs 8,000 crore in Ganjam district and Shreetech Data Ltds green hydrogen project at Rs 1,560 crore in Mayurbhanj. High value projects Vedanta Ltd: Rs 91,528 cr JSW Steel Ltd: Rs 35,000 cr Orissa Thermal Energy Ltd: Rs 18,450 cr Orissa Metallurgical Industry: Rs 8,000 cr Shyam Steel: Rs 5,200 cr OCL Iron and Steel: Rs 3,000 cr Shreetech Data Ltd: Rs 1,560 cr World Green Energy: Rs 1,475 cr Jupiter Tatravagonka: Rs 1,090 cr

Heatwave to make its comeback from March 28

BHUBANESWAR: After a brief lull, heatwave is expected to make a comeback in Odisha from Friday onwards. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heatwave in parts of the state for the next three days. Heatwave may prevail in Sambalpur and Boudh districts on Friday and in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Balangir and Kalahandi on Saturday. Similarly, heatwave is likely to occur in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Bargarh and Sundargarh districts on Sunday. There will be a rise in day and night temperatures by 2 degree Celsius to 4 degree C within two days. Director of Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Manorama Mohanty said, parts of interior Odisha are expected to experience heatwave under the influence of dry and warm northerly and north-westerly winds. However, the fresh heatwave spell is expected to subside by next week as parts of the state may experience rainfall activity from April 2, she added. Meanwhile, many places started to witness hot weather condition from Thursday. Jharsuguda was the hottest at 41.4 degree C followed by Balangir 40.8 degree C, Boudh 40.5 degree C, Sonepur 40.2 degree C, Hirakud 40.1 degree C, and Sambalpur, Titilagarh and Paralakhemundi 40 degree C each. Twin City Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded 38.5 deg C and 36.8 deg C respectively on the day.

Release of untreated waste into Mahanadi worries locals

CUTTACK: With direct discharge of untreated effluents into Mahanadi river by industries continuing unabated, local residents have accused the IDCO of negligence, alleging its delay in setting up an effluent treatment plant (ETP) has worsened the situation. It is a common sight on a particular 300-metre stretch of the Mahanadi embankment from the bridge to the New Industrial Estate where discharge of untreated industrial effluents by local industries through underground pipes is rampant. Residents of Munda Sahi and Nua Sahi alleged the direct discharge of untreated waste which usually contain harmful chemicals have rendered the Mahanadi river unusable. Pollution of the river due to reckless discharge of untreated waste has been posing threat to local residents as well as animals. Those who take bath in the river or use it for drinking purpose often suffer from various health and skin ailments. Not only this, such an act is also disrupting the river ecosystem, said Kailash Jena, a local environmental activist. Local residents of Munda Sahi alleged the authorities concerned have also not been monitoring the situation to ascertain where the industrial wastes are being discharged from, and if they are being properly treated before release into the river. Contacted, divisional head, IDCO, Cuttack division Parikshita Mahalik said the corporation has started constructing storm water channels and effluent lines for discharge of industrial waste. We have also sought a 2 acre land in Jagatpur industrial estate for setting up an ETP and awaiting approval of the local administration. After getting approval, tender would be floated for setting up the ETP, he added.

Khurda collector directs GAIL to stop CNG, PNG station construction in city

CUTTACK: Following allegations of setting up a compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) station in close vicinity to a residential area at Kanan Vihar in the capital city, the district administration has asked GAIL India Ltd to stop the constructions with immediate effect. Khurda collector Chanchal Rana informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that construction work for the CNG & PNG station was being carried out without obtaining no objection certificate (NOC) from the district administration. Hence, the authority of GAIL India Ltd has been directed to stop construction work until further orders, and issued notice to submit show cause as to why action as per law shall not be taken for such illegal construction without having valid permission, thereby, endangering the life & property of the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, Rana said in an affidavit. The district administration issued the show cause notice on March 25, 2025. The affidavit was filed in reply to a petition that sought intervention against construction of the depot for supply of CNG to the vehicles and PNG to the residential houses through pipeline for domestic use in a residential area. Shukadev Mohanty, an 86-year-old resident of the locality, had filed the petition. The bench comprising B Amit Sthalekar (Judicial Member) and Dr Arun Kumar Verma (Expert Member) took the affidavit on record and posted the matter to May 30 for further consideration. The bench allowed GAIL counsel to re-file the counter affidavit on behalf of zonal general manager. According to the petition, the proposed CNG and PNG station is being set up very close to residential houses in violation of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines. The guidelines prescribe that the distance between a residential building and the petrol pump installation site should not be less than 50 metre whereas in the present case the distance between the residential houses and the proposed CNG station site is less than 5 metre. CNG and PNG station should be set up in a distant place for the safety of life and property of locality, the petition said.

Ensure a peaceful Hanuman Jayanti in Sambalpur: Orissa HC

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Wednesday directed the government to take adequate measures to ensure peaceful Hanuman Jayanti procession scheduled to be held in Sambalpur city between April 6 and 14. While disposing of a petition filed by one Enayatullah and six others seeking restrictions on the procession, the division bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Arindam Sinha said, The festival of Hanuman Jayanti is to be held between 6th and 14th April, 2025. State says that there should be no apprehension of any untoward incident in the festivities of the concerned community. They are and will regulate the festival as is required, for peaceful observance thereof. Union of India has supported the position. Relying on submissions made by state and Union of India as recorded above, we think fit to dispose of the writ petition. State is to take note of the allegations and disclosures made in the petition and take adequate measures as may be deemed necessary, the bench said. Appearing for the petitioners in virtual mode from Sambalpur, advocate Mohammed Mustaq Ansari expressed apprehension of untoward incidents during the Hanuman Jayanti procession. Additional government advocate Bimbisar Dash refuted the submission saying there is no basis to have apprehension of communal disharmony in Odisha. Religious festivals and processions take place here in Odisha without any accompanying untoward incident. Nevertheless, the administration will issue requisite permission and ensure adherence, he submitted. Deputy solicitor general appearing on behalf of Central government adopted submissions made by the state government.

Six members of all-women chain snatching gang held

BERHAMPUR: Berhampur police busted an inter-state all-women gang of chain snatchers by arresting six of its members and their driver from Cuttack on Wednesday. Police seized several stolen gold chains, Rs 25,000 cash, cutter and an SUV from the accused - Nagu Behera (46), S Puspa (50), Basanti Rao (62), Mina Rao (43), H Puspa (50), Sabita Sahu (32) and their driver Bijay Jena (26). The gang was reportedly involved in robbing several elderly women in crowded temples. Sources said a gold chain was snatched from an elderly woman inside the Jagannath temple at Courtpeta in Berhampur on February 8. As part of investigation, police analysed the CCTV footage and arrested one Parvati Nayak (55) of Cuttack. The stolen gold chain was also recovered from her possession. Suspecting her to be a part of a chain-snatching gang, police kept a track of the persons who visited the jail to meet Parvati. The cops found that several women visited the jail in an SUV. Subsequently, the four-wheelers registration number was traced to Cuttack. A team of police reached Cuttack on Tuesday and arrested Bijay, the car owner. Police said during interrogation, Bijay reportedly revealed the names of the gang members and their modus operandi. The gang, led by Parvati, visited crowded temples during auspicious occasions, and targeted elderly women wearing gold chains. If a victims neck was covered, the thieves would allegedly lift the saree, remove the chain with a cutter, and quickly pass it to another member. Bijay said that he transported the women members of the gang to different places across the state including Berhampur, Puri, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Paradip, Khurda, Jajpur and Bhubaneswar to commit the thefts. After snatching the ornaments, they would return to Cuttack, sell the gold and divide the money. Bijay received a share of the profits. All the accused were produced in court and further investigation is underway to nab the other members of the gang, police said.

Driver among 3 held for robbing Cuttack bizman of Rs 5L

Orissa HC upholds government policy on online registration for paddy purchase

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has endorsed the state governments policy decision making it mandatory for farmers to apply online for registration under the Farmers Identity Card scheme to sell their paddy under minimum support price (MSP). The approval was given while considering a petition filed by two farmers of Kuchinda in Sambalpur district seeking intervention against refusal to accept applications offline. Since the paddy procurement process operates through an online registration system, the refusal to accept offline applications does not amount to a procedural lapse or illegality, Justice S K Panigrahi stated. The system is structured to ensure uniformity, and any deviation would undermine its integrity. The petitioners may register online in the next procurement cycle and seek assistance from primary agricultural credit societies officials to navigate the process effectively, he added. However, in the order uploaded on Monday, Justice Panigrahi emphasised, Given the broader concerns regarding farmer registration and procurement inefficiencies, the state is expected to take proactive steps to streamline the process and ensure that no genuine farmers are deprived of their right to participate in the procurement system. Clarifying on the policy decision, the state government maintained that it has since kharif marketing season (KMS) 2014-15 adopted the online registration system for paddy procurement, requiring all farmers to register within a designated time-frame through the primary agricultural credit societies, large area multipurpose credit societies and pani panchayats. To prevent fraudulent claims, registrations undergo satellite-based land validation and field inspections. Given these measures, offline applications are not accepted, and any registration outside the prescribed system cannot be processed, the govt submitted before the court. Acknowledging it, Justice Panigrahi said the state has implemented a structured, technology-driven procurement system to enhance efficiency, curb malpractice, and ensure timely payments to farmers. The mandatory online registration is a policy decision, and any deviation from it could lead to inconsistencies and administrative inefficiencies. Yet, the transition to a digital procurement system cannot overlook those on the margins. Small and marginal farmers must not be excluded due to technical difficulties, lack of digital literacy, or inadequate infrastructure in remote areas. Accessible facilitation centres, an effective grievance redressal mechanism, and widespread awareness initiatives are essential to make sure that no farmer is left behind, he remarked. Justice Panigrahi concluded his judgment with directions to the departments of Cooperation and Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment to take steps to strengthen farmer awareness and accessibility, enhance facilitation centres at PACS, improve grievance redressal mechanisms and address digital and infrastructure barriers.

Woman fined Rs 1K over plea to get her pet dog Beauty back from daughter-in-law

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Tuesday slapped a fine of Rs 1,000 on a 52-year-old woman for filing a petition for getting back her pet dog named Beauty from her daughter-in-law. According to the case records, the three-year-old dog was taken away by the petitioners daughter-in-law during a seizure from their house on January 20, 2025 that followed a dowry torture case at the Mahila police station in Cuttack. The marriage was solemnised on July 14, 2020. The daughter-in-law had left her marital house at Barang and lodged the FIR on September 30, 2024. The order was issued after petitioner counsel Byomakesh Tripathy prayed for permitting her to withdraw the petition. The single judge bench of Justice SK Panigrahi said, In such view of the matter, this writ petition is dismissed as withdrawn, giving liberty to the petitioner to approach the appropriate authority. At this juncture, this court also imposes a cost of Rs 1,000 on the petitioner as she has unnecessarily wasted the valuable time of this court. The said cost shall be deposited in favour of the Orissa High Court Bar Association Welfare Fund within a period of 10 days hence, Justice Panigrahi ordered.

Rampant encroachments hinder drain cleaning, desilting work in Cuttack city

CUTTACK: The Cuttack Municipal Corporations failure to clear encroachments from the drainage channels has posed the biggest hindrance to effective cleaning and desiltation, which results in widespread waterlogging in the city during the rains. Rampant unauthorised constructions and structures mainly street shops and stalls over the drains across the city have made drain cleaning impossible at many places. Such is the situation that many of the illegal structures have been given on rent to street vendors to run their businesses. At several places, temporary houses have been set up and used for living by the homeless people. Despite proclamations by the civic body and multiple orders of the Orissa High Court, no concrete step has been taken to clear the encroachments and ensure that the drains are left unoccupied. Sporadic eviction drives have yielded no result as after some time the encroachments and illegal shops and stalls come up at the very spot that have been cleared. We are facing problem in desilting and cleaning the drains as it is impossible on our part to remove the encroachments and then the concrete slabs for the purpose, said some sanitary workers of the outsourcing agencies engaged by the CMC for draining cleaning work. Local residents alleged that despite the high courts order, the CMC has turned a blind eye to the problem. They pointed out that it has also worsened the traffic congestion problem in the city. Massive encroachments can be seen in areas like Badambadi, Mangalabag, Ranihat, Bajrakabati Road, Buxi Bazar, Tala Telenga Bazar, Gauri Shankar Park and College Square, etc where the drains are lying unclean. The CMC officials are not supervising the drain cleaning and desilting work properly or reporting to the higher authorities for initiating necessary action to remove the encroachments. How will they be able to carry out the work if the encroachments are not removed? questioned Saroj Mallik of Gauri Shankar Park. He further alleged that the civic body has itself set up some stalls on drain slabs. Unless the encroachments are completely removed from drains, the city will face sanitation, waterlogging and traffic problems, he added. Mayor Subhas Singh, however, asserted the civic body is carrying out work as per the high court order on priority basis. We are planning for rehabilitation before carrying out eviction drive, he added.

Sextortion accused Nigerian national to be taken on five-day remand

CUTTACK: The Commissionerate Police will take sextortion accused Nigerian national Djedje Raymond alias Chijioke John Okoye on a five-day remand beginning Wednesday for interrogation. The 31-year-old has been accused of blackmailing and extorting money from a woman in Cuttack, who, unable to bear the humiliation ended her life on March 1. He is currently lodged in Choudwar jail. DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said the Commissionerate Police had prayed the court for a seven-day remand. However, the court allowed five days. Police would carry out further investigation to ascertain details including the magnitude of the cyber crime syndicate and the exact amount of financial transaction that occurred between Okoye and the deceased, he said. Police said the accused could not be interrogated earlier due to lack of time. The laptop, five mobile phones, a passport of Ivory Coast and eight SIM cards of different countries seized from him would also be examined, he said. This apart, details about his financial transactions including where the accused kept his extorted money and how he spent it is also under investigation. Apart from international links, we also suspect involvement of persons from different parts of India in this cyber crime syndicate. Okoye is suspected to have been using those peoples accounts for depositing the extorted money. We have also collected information from some banks about his financial transactions and are hopeful of gathering more details during interrogation, the DCP said. A dedicated team of police officers including the zone ACP, inspector-in-charge of Dargha Bazar police station, special squad and officers of Economic Offences Wing and Cyber Crime police station has been constituted to interrogate Okoye, Khilari said. The accused was arrested from New Delhi on March 21 and brought to Cuttack on Sunday to be produced in court. As per police, he had been living in the Palam Colony of the national capital since 2020.

No end in sight to atrocities against SCs & STs in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: A Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Protection Cell and several targeted interventions notwithstanding, Odisha continues to struggle with rising atrocities against the vulnerable tribal communities including caste-based violence. The Crime in India-2024 report of NCRB points out that atrocities against STs increased from 624 in 2020 to 773 in 2022. The cases are related to murder, attempt to murder, outraging womens modesty, rape and criminal intimidation. The conviction rate in crimes against STs is just 19.6 pc. However, SCs are more prone to atrocities than STs. Crime against SCs increased from 2,046 in 2020 to 2,902 in 2022. These atrocities are also murders, attempts to murder, criminal intimidation and rape. Although cases are registered, the conviction rate is only 16.1 per cent. This, despite the fact that Odisha is one of the five states that receives the majority of funds from the Centre to prevent atrocities against members of SCs and STs under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1989 and Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment runs a centrally-sponsored scheme for implementation of the two above-mentioned Acts at the state-level. Under it, Odisha received Rs 35.81 crore for preventing atrocities against STs and SCs and providing compensation to the victims, for the year 2024-25 (as on March 3, 2025). This puts Odisha in the fifth spot as far as these funds are concerned, after Uttar Pradesh (Rs 89.49 crore), Madhya Pradesh (Rs 88.12 crore), Karnataka (Rs 48.66 crore) and Bihar (Rs 46.34 crore), pointing to a large number of cases. According to a report by the ST and SC Development department, the Odisha government has already paid Rs 20.34 crore towards victim compensation in the last 10 months (from June last year till date) under the SC and the ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1989 and Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955. The compensation has been paid to 2,116 SC/ST atrocity victims. While Balangir has the highest number of 202 victims, Puri, Jajpur, Ganjam, Dhenkanal, Cuttack and Bargarh too, continue to be the hotspots for such crimes. Activists blame poor implementation of the Act as the reason behind rise of such cases, and lack of free and fair trial for the atrocity victims in the state. Anil Mallik, a dalit rights activist, said, In the last one year, two SC youths of Biridi (Jagatsinghpur) and Pipili (Puri) were made to walk throughout their villages with strings of chappals on their necks and their faces blackened on the allegations of theft. In Balangir, an ST girl was made to eat excreta. But, there have been no concrete action against the accused in these cases yet. REPORT Balangir has the highest number of 202 atrocity victims Puri, Jajpur, Ganjam, Dhenkanal, Cuttack and Bargarh hotspots SCs are more prone to atrocities than STs Atrocities against SCs increased from 2,046 in 2020 to 2,902 in 2022 Despite case registration, conviction rate only 16.1 pc in case of SCs Conviction rate in crimes against STs is only 19.6 pc

Public amenities eludes commuters at major junctions in Cuttack

Doctors stress greater awareness for hereditary angioedema

BHUBANESWAR : Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic disorder which can affect several members of the family, said experts at a CME organised at SCB Medical College and Hospital at Cuttack. Addressing students and faculty of various departments, professor of clinical immunology and rheumatology Dr Bidyut Das said hereditary angioedema usually starts in childhood and goes undiagnosed because of poor awareness among patients and doctors alike. Recently the doctors in the department were able to diagnose this rare condition in six members of a family. The severity of the disease can be understood by the fact that three members of the family had died without the disease being recognised. The disease is characterised by episodic swelling of the face, lips, limbs, larynx or the gastrointestinal tract. Laryngeal edema can sometimes be life threatening, said Dr Ankur Jindal from the department of Paediatrics, PGI Chandigarh. Organising secretary of the CME, assistant professor Manoj Kumar Parida presented the data about patients diagnosed at SCB MCH. Several families were screened for hereditary angioedema. The rheumatology unit is planning to establish SCB as a referral centre for Odisha and a Centre of Excellence for this rare condition so that many precious lives can be saved by timely diagnosis and management, said Dr Das. Former DMET Dr Prasanna Das, superintendent SVPPGI, Cuttack Dr Pravakar Mishra and paediatric rheumatologist from Ranchi Dr Neha Singh also spoke among others.

Orissa HC issues notice to goverment and SCB over alleged baby swap

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Monday issued notices to the chief secretary, secretaries of the Home and Health and Family Welfare departments, and Cuttack collector on a petition alleging baby swap at the SCB medical college and hospital (SCB MCH) last month. The court also directed the superintendent of SCB MCH to file a reply by April 2, the date fixed for next hearing on the matter. According to the petition, on February 10, Chandrama Behera (22), wife of Ratana Behera (25) of Puri town, was admitted at the SCB MCH and gave birth to a girl the next day. However, on February 12, the mother was handed over a dead baby. Ratana alleged that his newborn daughter was swapped with a dead baby while she was under special observation in the special newborn care unit (SNCU). He sought an inquiry by the collector, Cuttack, into the alleged incident. While issuing the notices, Justice SK Panigrahi said, The facts before this court reveal more than negligence. They reflect a serious breach of trust in an institution meant to provide care and protection to the most vulnerable...That a newborn could go missing under such circumstances and that the petitioners pleas for accountability have been met with silence is deeply troubling. Justice Panigrahi pointed out that the inaction of the authorities cannot be brushed aside and it is necessary to seek an immediate response to ensure that the matter is handled with seriousness. In his order, Justice Panigrahi noted that the petitioner aggrieved by the inaction of the authorities had submitted an application to the superintendent of SCBMCH on February 13. However, no steps were taken. Subsequently, he approached the IIC of Mangalabag police station where an FIR was registered but no further action followed. Thereafter, the petitioner escalated the matter to the DCP, Cuttack, filing a grievance on February 21 but again, no steps were taken. Left with no recourse, he approached the collector and submitted a written complaint on February 25. Despite this, the complaint remains pending without any action, Justice Panigrahi noted.

Fake DSP, constable arrested in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has arrested two persons for impersonating police officers and seized 386 counterfeit Rs 500 notes from them, a senior official said Monday. The accused, identified as Manas Ranjan Senapati (26) and Ashis Swain (23), were caught during a routine night patrol by Saheed Nagar police in Bhubaneswar Sunday. According to Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate []

Nigerian national arrested for blackmailing, extortion leading to womans suicide in Cuttack

CUTTACK: The Commissionerate Police has arrested a Nigerian national for allegedly blackmailing and extorting money from a woman of the city, who, unable to bear the humiliation, died by suicide on March 1. The accused, 31-year-old Djedje Raymond alias Chijioke John Okoye was nabbed from New Delhi on Friday. Police said Okoye had been staying in the national capital since 2020. He was brought to Cuttack on Sunday to be produced in the court here. Briefing media persons, DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said the suicide note left by the victim, a 37-year-old, revealed she took the drastic step after being repeatedly blackmailed and threatened to pay money by some unknown person(s) on WhatsApp. Basing on the complaint lodged by her family, the cyber cell of Cuttack Urban Police District started its investigation. The cops ascertained that the WhatsApp numbers used to contact the victim were international and got in touch with the telecom service provider to get their details. Subsequently, the IP address was traced to New Delhi and a special police team reached the city and nabbed the accused from Palam Colony there. Accused created over 3,000 fake profiles on Facebook, impersonated professionals Revealing the modus operandi of the accused, the DCP said Okoye used to survey various online Facebook accounts of professionals like doctors and managed to steal their identity by creating fake profiles and impersonating them. He used those fake profiles to send friend requests to other profiles in similar domains. After developing friendship with them, he cunningly used them to obtain their mobile and WhatsApp numbers on the pretext of having a relationship with them. Subsequently, the accused managed to collect private and intimate photographs/videos of the victims by sharing fake photos/videos of the persons he impersonated. He then used them to blackmail the victims, Khilari said. Okoye allegedly used similar tactics to get in touch with the Cuttack woman. He had allegedly obtained intimate photos and videos of the victim and used them to extort money from her. When the accused kept demanding more money by threatening to make her private pictures and videos viral, the victim got scared and finding no other way ended her life, police said and added till now, around 3,000 fake profiles being run by the accused have been traced. A laptop, five mobile phones and eight SIM cards of different countries have been seized from him. Though he belongs to Nigeria, a passport of REPUBLIQUE DE COTE DIVORIE issued in the name of Okoye was found in his possession and is under verification. He will be taken on remand for further investigation to ascertain whether he was operating alone or working as part of a larger cyber crime syndicate, said Khilari. The DCP urged people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities to prevent such type of a tragic incident.

Lack of charging stations dampen EV sales in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: After witnessing an exponential 405 per cent rise in electric vehicle (EV) sales in 2022, Odisha has seen a sharp drop in growth rate, with EV registrations recording only 48 per cent year-on-year growth last year owing to lack of charging infrastructure. In 2023, the growth was pegged at 56.5 per cent. According to Transport department data, Odisha has registered 1,61,338 EVs in last four years. Around 24,000 are pure EVs, 850 are strong hybrids and the remaining are battery-operated two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Although the governments incentives under the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy-2021 had encouraged adoption in the initial years, the lack of a robust and widely available charging network has dampened consumers confidence. Transport officials, however, said the growth rate may have declined, but in terms of absolute numbers, the EV registration is going up every year. As many as 5,626 EVs were registered in the state in 2021, followed by 28,447 in 2022, 44,545 in 2023, 65,977 in 2024 and 10,423 till mid-March this year. The highest 45,195 EVs have been registered in Khurda district, 19,986 in Cuttack, 11,287 in Puri, 10,290 in Sundargarh, 10,174 in Balasore, 9,054 in Ganjam, 7,150 in Mayurbhanj, 6,768 in Jajpur and 4,786 in Sambalpur. The lowest 154 has been registered in Phulbani and 156 in Deogarh. Managing director of Sai Ananta Motors Laxmi Narayan Mohanty said the limited availability of public charging stations is a major deterrent for potential EV buyers. The sale of four-wheelers is negligible as compared to electric scooters as there are no charging stations in the interior districts, he said. As per the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, the state has 198 public charging stations. Taking into consideration, Niti Aayogs estimate of 80 per cent electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, and 50 per cent four-wheelers by 2030, Odisha would require 47,381 public charging stations. Meanwhile, the state government has decided to set up 100 more charging stations this fiscal. Altogether 38 units would be set up in RTOs across the state, 23 in truck terminals, 21 in Bhubaneswar and the rest 18 in other places. Commerce and Transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said a private firm has already been selected through a bidding process for installation of the charging equipment and to make the stations ready at the earliest. We are also exploring plans to expand the charging network in the state, he added. Numbers up, growth down Sales growth down to 48 per cent in 2022 from 405% in 2022 1.61 lakh EVs registered in last four years 5,626 registered in 2021; 28,447 in 2022; 44,545 in 2023; 65,977 in 2024 & 10,423 till mid-March 2025 Odisha has just 198 public charging stations Govt to set up 100 more charging stations this year

Law cant force person to endure marriage of suffering, says Orissa HC

CUTTACK: Law cannot compel a person to endure a marriage that has become a source of suffering and torment, the Orissa High court has held while upholding a Family Court order allowing divorce of a couple. The divorce was granted on the ground that the husband was subjected to repeated threats of committing suicide by the wife, coupled with physical aggression and public humiliation. This court is of the considered opinion that the repeated threat of suicide or violence is not merely misconduct; it is an insidious form of emotional blackmail and psychological oppression. Such conduct crosses the boundaries of personal conflict and touches upon the very core of harassment, making it impossible for the aggrieved spouse to continue leading a peaceful and dignified marital life, the bench of Justice BP Routray and Justice Chittaranjan Dash observed. While the couple was married in 2003, the husband sought dissolution of marriage on grounds of cruelty in 2009, alleging that his wifes conduct had made it impossible for him to continue the marriage. His primary grievances included constant quarrels, financial control, repeated threats of suicide and the forced eviction of his elderly parents from their home by her with help of local goons. The Family Court, Cuttack, granted the divorce subject to payment of `63 lakh towards permanent alimony by the husband on August 7, 2023. However, the wife challenged the order in the high court seeking restitution of conjugal rights. The bench dismissed her appeal on March 19 observing, The findings of the Family Court are rooted in sound legal reasoning and supported by overwhelming evidence. The wifes actions, viewed collectively, meet the threshold of mental cruelty as defined under Section 13(1) (i-a) of the Hindu Marriage Act. The institution of marriage rests upon the pillars of trust, compassion, and mutual respect, that form the very essence of a harmonious marital bond. In the instant case, however, the fabric of this relationship has been irreparably torn apart by a sustained pattern of mental cruelty inflicted upon the husband by the wife, the court observed.

NGT imposes curbs on CRIYN project construction in Odisha

CUTTACK: In a significant development, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered that any constructions for the Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN) at Bhinjagiri in Khurda district will be subject to the outcome of the petition challenging the establishment of the national institute at the site. The NGTs East Zone bench in Kolkata comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana (Judicial Member) and Dr Arun Kumar Verma (Expert Member) has adjourned hearing on the petition seeking relocation of the proposed CRIYN at Bhinjagiri, to May 13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the project via video-conferencing on October 29, 2024. The institute for chronic diseases is proposed to have a 100-bed yoga and naturopathy hospital with a state-of-the-art yoga hall and a research laboratory. The petition, filed by two residents of the area - Hazari Dehuri and Hrudananda Kodamsingh, has challenged the diversion of 20 acre of forest category land for the institute. They submitted that 20 acre for the institute were diverted from nearly 47 acre land, that was developed into a thick jungle by the villagers of Bhinjagiri with donations from each house and protected by a village guard since 1970. The villagers were awarded the Biju Patnaik Award for forest protection in 2013. The site for the proposed institute also falls in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Chandaka- Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary. Moreover, Bhinjagiri village is included in the ESZ of the sanctuary as per the notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on Sept 20, 2016, the petitioners stated. Acting on it, the green panel had issued notices to central and state governments on February 17. The latest adjournment came on March 19 after the counsels representing Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), state government and Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) sought more time to file their respective counter affidavits. Taking note of it, the bench clarified, We make it clear that any constructions that may be put up by the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy would be subject to the result of the present petition. It directed the respondents to file their respective reply/counter affidavits by the next date of May 13.

Odisha weather: IMD says thunderstorms likely to lash these six districts

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast thunderstorms in several districts of Odisha Monday. According to the Bhubaneswar centre of the IMD, thunderstorms with lightning are expected in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur districts. In its Sunday evening bulletin, the weather office said light rain is likely in the coastal districts. On Saturday, []

Tradition & modernity key to literature: Guv

Cuttack: The harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in language and literature signifies a thriving society, said Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, emphasising that a nations richness is reflected in the depth of its language. Speaking at Tattva, a literary festival organised by the Faculty of Arts, Communication, and Indic Studies at Sri Sri University Saturday, []

Widespread showers bring big relief from heatwave to Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: The blistering spell of heatwave in Odisha was brought to a halt by widespread rains across half the state in the last 24 hours. Berhampur city received the heaviest rainfall on Saturday. Due to heavy rains and strong winds, waterlogging and uprooting of trees were reported from Berhampur. The Odisha Fire and Emergency Service personnel launched water evacuation at various places and removed felled trees near the national highway, on MKCG Medical College and Hospital premises of the city. The rescue teams also moved to safety a visually-challenged woman, identified as Laxmi Sahoo, at about 4.15 pm after rain water entered her house in the Prem Nagar area. In Balasore and Bhadrak too, similar uprooting of trees and power supply disruption was witnessed. The regional met office said Chhatrapur received the highest rainfall of 62.8 mm on the day, followed by Cuttack (21.2 mm), Chandbali (16.4 mm), Balasore and Nayagarh (15 mm) and Gopalpur (14.2 mm). Bhubaneswar which reported overcast conditions received around 10 mm rain. On Friday, Baripada had recorded 120 mm rain, Joda 90 mm, Rajgangpur 70 mm and Saharpada, Champua and Karanjia 60 mm each. More rains are expected in the next two days, albeit with lesser intensity. The met office has forecast thunderstorm with lightning at one or two places in Cuttack, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh and 11 other districts on Sunday. Light to moderate rainfall or thundershower activity may prevail across 15 districts during the period. Director of Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Manorama Mohanty said, the state is likely to witness a decline in widespread rains from Sunday. However, a few places will continue to experience thunderstorm activities in the next two days, she added. The rains brought much-needed relief from the unusual hot conditions that had gripped the state as both day and night temperatures dipped. Boudh had emerged as the hottest place in the country recording over 43 degree Celsius earlier in the week, while Malkangiri recorded 36.1 degree C. People in both the districts had a sigh of relief. The day temperature in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack fell to 25.4 degree C and 26 degree C respectively on the day. However, with rainfall activity expected to subside, the pleasant weather condition may end soon as mercury is likely to rise by 2 to 3 degree C in the state from Monday onwards.

Rain relief from heat: Chatrapur records 62.8 mm, Cuttack follows with 21.2 mm

Senior officer Prem Kumar Jha to be full-time PCCF (wildlife) in IFS reshuffling

BHUBANESWAR: The state government on Friday effected a reshuffle in the IFS cadre, posting senior officer Prem Kumar Jha as the PCCF wildlife and managing director of Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC). The government also appointed 1993 batch IFS officer Uma Nanduri as the PCCF (kendu leaf) on her return from central deputation. Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) member-secretary K Murugesan has been posted as the additional PCCF and nodal officer in the PCCF and HoFF office, while CCF wildlife Manoj V Nair has been posted as the director Nandankanan and CEO CAMPA. Former director of mines G Rajesh has been posted as director in-charge-cum-special secretary in the Forest and Environment department, while M Yogajayananda, serving as the CEO CAMPA, has been posted as RCCF Bhubaneswar circle with additional charge of chief executive, Chilika Development Authority. Sudhanshu Sekhar Khora, RCCF Angul, has been posted as the member-secretary of OSPCB while RCCF, Berhampur, Sanjaya Kumar Swain has been posted as RCCF Angul. P Arthanari has been posted as the conservator of forests, Cuttack KL circle, along with additional charge of OFDC GM Bhubaneswar (C) zone while Vishwanath Neelannavar has been posted as RCCF, Berhampur. The notification, however, has not named the new CCF Wildlife.

Justice Harish Tandon appointed as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court

CUTTACK: Justice Harish Tandon of Calcutta High Court has been appointed the new Chief Justice of Orissa High Court. In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Harish Tandon, Judge of the Calcutta High Court, to be Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office, a notification issued by the Union ministry of Law and Justice stated on Friday. The office of the Chief Justice of Orissa High Court has been vacant since the retirement of Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh on January 19 this year. Justice Arindam Sinha has since been officiating as Acting Chief Justice. The Supreme Court collegium had recommended appointment of Justice Tandon as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court on March 6. Justice Tandon graduated in law from Calcutta University in 1983. After being enrolled as an advocate in 1989, he extensively practised in civil matters in Calcutta High Court before being elevated as judge in the same court on April 13, 2010.

Odisha government to set up complexes for urban waste management

BHUBANESWAR: With urban waste management posing a big challenge, the Housing and Urban Development department is planning to set up integrated waste processing complexes in the major cities and towns to effectively tackle the menace. The state generates about 1,847 tonne per day (TPD) solid waste apart from hundreds of tonnes of wet waste. Further, it has 83 large dump sites spread across the urban areas where around 24 lakh tonne of legacy waste are yet to be remediated. Considering the large-scale generation of waste, Housing and Urban Development minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra has asked department authorities to look into the establishment of integrated waste processing complexes in municipal corporations and larger municipalities. These complexes will have all types of processing plants including compressed biogas (CBG) plants for easy disposal of waste and reduction of transportation and infrastructure costs. The minister has also directed the officials to expedite the process of CBG plant establishment in five municipal corporations of Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur and Rourkela along with the Puri-Konark and Boudhgarh-Sonepur clusters. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has been instructed to expedite the processing and clearing the accumulated garbage at temporary transit station near Sainik School and also operationalise the mega waste processing centre at Palasuni. The civic body will also take up renovation and refurbishment of all non-functioning toilets and e-toilets under its jurisdiction on priority. A decision was also taken to develop a digital application for sanitation monitoring in all municipal corporations and municipalities in line with the Safa app of BMC. Mahapatra also recommended integrating all such applications with the Sujog platform of the H&UD department for effective monitoring of the projects and works at the department level.

Odisha weather: IMD says thunderstorms likely in 12 districts Saturday

Bhubaneswar: India Meteorological Department (IMD) said thunderstorms with lightning, hail and gusty winds would lash several parts of Odisha Saturday. In a bulletin Friday evening, the weather office said thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching 50-60 kmph would occur in some places of Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Angul and Deogarh []

Two vessels arrested at Paradip Port following Orissa HC order

Cuttack: Two tug vessels Ocean Jade and Ocean Morganite were placed under arrest at Paradip Port Friday following an order issued by the Orissa High Court in connection with a high-stakes maritime dispute. The arrest was carried out in the presence of local sub-judge Chinmayee Panda. The vessels were detained pursuant to an []

ONGC resumes oil exploration in Gop

PURI: Fifteen months after abruptly stopping its work at Kusupur, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has started drilling at Chitra village under Gop block in Puri. Using cranes, rigs, and heavy-duty equipment, the company has started drilling in the village. In 2020, ONGC had carried out a seismic survey of Mahanadi basin covering nine coastal districts - Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore and Ganjam, and found deposits of gas and petroleum at two places under Gop block in Puri. The areas were identified in Kusupur and Chitra villages. It acquired eight acre of land in each of the identified villages on a three-year lease basis paying `1.97 crore to landowner in Kusupur and `1 crore to landowner in Chitra village. Initial drilling operations began at Kusupur on October 20, 2023 but were abruptly halted after 45 days. The corporation then removed all equipment from the site leaving local residents disappointed. Villagers had hoped the project would help generate employment for local youth and aid to economic growth of the area. Their hopes were revived when ONGC initiated work at the second site. Sirsh Ranjan, the local sarpanch, is positive about the drilling results. Contacted, ONGCs public relations officer declined to comment on the projects current status or provide the officer-in-charges contact, stating he was not authorised to do so.

HC adjourns hearing on PIL on Netaji to April 16

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Wednesday adjourned hearing on the PIL seeking certain directions regarding Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to April 16. The PIL filed by Pinakpani Mohanty, a resident of Cuttack on January 20 this year, has sought the courts direction to the authorities to declare Netaji as a national son, his birthday to be observed as national day and declaring his birthplace at Odia Bazar in Cuttack as a national museum. Mohanty has also sought direction for declassification of transfer to power agreement of year 1947, including intelligence bureau secret files regarding Netaji and further direction for acceptance of the Justice Mukherjee Commission of Inquiry report. The court deferred the hearing after the central government counsel prayed for extension of time by four weeks, to file the affidavit in response to the PIL. The bench of Acting Chief Justice Arindam Sinha and Justice V Narasingh said, Time to file affidavit is extended. It will be accepted on adjourned date upon advance copy served. List on 16th April, 2025. When the PIL was first taken up on January 22, the court had adjourned hearing on it to February 12, permitting the central government counsel time till then to file reply affidavit. When the petition was taken up on February 19, the counsel had sought more time. The court had then adjourned hearing to March 5 and the matter was taken up on Wednesday. Janaki Nath Bhawan at Odia Bazar, the ancestral home of Netaji and his birthplace, was declared a protected monument by the Odisha State Archaeology in 1991. The building was later restored to its original look and has been the Netaji Birthplace Museum since 2004. The Justice Mukherjee Commission of Inquiry, instituted by the NDA Government in 1999, concluded that Netaji did not die in any plane crash on August 18, 1945. The Commission also commented that the ashes kept in the Renkoji temple in Japan was not of the late Netaji, but one of late Okahara Ichiro.

Three sacked, seven slapped show cause for playing Holi in trauma ICU of SCB in Odisha

CUTTACK: The SCB medical college and hospital management has disengaged three outsourcing employees and issued show cause notice to seven nursing staff for celebrating Holi inside the trauma ICU of the premier healthcare centre on Saturday. The on-duty staff reportedly created commotion and even played with colours right inside the critical care unit despite the fact that over 15 accident victims were undergoing treatment at the ICU. Some of them were also on ventilator support. The incident had triggered discontentment among the patients attendants but they had chosen to stay silent apprehending hampering the healthcare services. Later, some of them took to X to apprise the matter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Health minister Mukesh Mahaling, demanding a high-level probe into the matter and appropriate action against the errant staff. However, the hospital authorities were compelled to initiate a probe into the matter after a video of the Holi celebration went viral on social media. The doctors, nursing staff, attendants, housekeeping staff and security personnel on duty at the trauma centre on the Holi day were quizzed as part of the investigation. Basing on the probe outcome, three staff were dismissed. While two of those were attendants, one was a security guard. They were employed at the hospital via an outsourcing agency. The seven others are permanent employees. Action was taken basing on the findings and information provided by the other staff who were present when the incident took place. Three outsourcing staff including a security personnel and two attendants have been terminated from service while seven nursing staff issued show cause notice, said hospital superintendant Dr Lucy Das adding, anyone found guilty would not be spared.

Orissa High Court issues notices to Centre, state governments over sacred groves in STR

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has issued notices to the Centre as well as the state government on a petition seeking its intervention against inclusion of Jayara, the sacred groves and burial ground of the Munda tribal community, in the enclosure constructed for tigress Zeenat in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR). The single judge bench of Justice SK Panigrahi issued the notices on Monday on a petition filed by Nandi Ho and two other members of Munda community of Jamunagarh. Jamunagarh, a part of Gudgudia gram panchayat, comes under STR in Mayurbhanj district. Zeenat, translocated from Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra as part of a tiger supplementation project last year, had moved out from Similipal to Jharkhand and then to Bengal. On December 28, she was recaptured in West Bengal and brought back on Jan 1. The tigress was initially lodged in a small enclosure but later shifted to a larger enclosure, as per the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The petition sought the HCs direction to shift the enclosure from the area in which the sacred groves and burial ground of the Munda tribal community was located. The petition also sought direction for restoration of the sacred grove to its original condition prior to construction of the enclosure. While senior advocate Rajesh Kumar Mohapatra appeared on behalf of the state government and additional government advocate Debasish Nayak represented the state, advocate Afraaz Suhail made submissions on behalf of the petitioners. The deputy director of Similipal south division had rejected the applications of the petitioners and other residents of Jamunagarh for entering their sacred groves and burial ground. The petition challenged the rejection order issued on January 22. Taking note of the submissions, Justice Panigrahi sought replies from the respondents and fixed March 25 as the next date for hearing on the matter. Accordingly, Justice Panigrahi issued notices to the secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), additional chief secretary, Forest and Environment department of Odisha, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), collector & district magistrate of Mayurbhanj, deputy director of Similipal south division and field director of STR.

Government to push for GI tag for nine handloom products: Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi

BHUBANESWAR: The government has decided to apply for Geographical Indication (GI) tags for nine handloom products in state, informed Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday. Inaugurating the 19th Toshali National Handicrafts Mela at Janata Maidan of the city, Majhi said handicrafts and handlooms are the backbone of rural economy in which women particularly self-help groups play a significant role. The collective efforts of women and their achievements are in display at the mela, he added. Many handicraft products from Odisha have already received GI tags, enhancing the states prestige. The government has now planned to apply for GI tags for nine handicraft products in 2025-26, the chief minister added. Majhi further informed that 550 artisans would be covered under the workshed construction scheme. Furthermore, 100 artisans will receive bank finance and margin money to set up their own production units. This apart, Kantilo, Pipili, Balijor, Hirakud, Cuttack and Kotpad will be developed as heritage craft villages. This move aims to integrate tourism with handicrafts and create additional infrastructure to support the growth of these industries, the CM said. The handicrafts mela will remain open from 3 pm to 10 pm every day till March 31. This year, it will showcase handicrafts and handloom products from more than 15 states.

Drug peddlers in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack to face stern action, says Police Commissioner

BHUBANESWAR: Stern action would be initiated against drug peddlers of Twin City Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, said police commissioner S Dev Datta Singh on Wednesday. Addressing mediapersons, Singh said the peddlers would also be strictly dealt with if they are found luring students and youngsters towards drug addiction. Police will assist the youths who have decided to quit drugs and facilitate their admission in various rehabilitation centres/agencies here, he added. The warning comes in wake of the arrest of five persons and detention of a juvenile from two different places with brown sugar worth Rs 72 lakh. Acting on a tip-off, Maitri Vihar police arrested five persons near Hatiasuni on the day and seized 270 gm brown sugar worth Rs 27 lakh, one car, a two-wheeler and four mobile phones from them. In a similar development, the special crime unit during a raid near Xavier road within Nayapalli police limits on Tuesday apprehended a juvenile with 448 gm brown sugar worth Rs 45 lakh. A drug peddler identified as SK Shoit of Balasore was accompanying the minor boy but he managed to flee. Investigation revealed the duo was part of a larger drug peddling network and reportedly have links with brown sugar suppliers in West Bengal.

Home and Decor expo to be 10-day affair in Bhubaneshwar

BHUBANESWAR: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI)s Odisha chapter is all set to host a 10-day-long Home and Decor Expo-2025 at Janata Maidan here from April 18 to 27. The event will bring together buyers, builders, investors, interior designers and building material companies under one roof and offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest trends in real estate and home decor. CREDAI officials said the expo will cater to the needs of prospective home buyers, real estate investors and industry professionals. It will feature an extensive range of residential and commercial property, smart city developments and luxurious villa projects, and provide an opportunity to the buyers to take informed investment decisions. Over 300 developers are expected to participate in the expo and CREDAIs district chapters from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Balasore and Puri will showcase their most sought-after projects. The expo will give a platform to potential buyers/investors to directly interact with top developers, banks and financial institutions to execute exclusive deals, CREDAI officials said. The event will consist of live demonstrations and interactive exhibits featuring the latest home decor, smart technologies and eco-friendly building solutions. While potential home buyers will get exclusive access to top developers, special pricing and easy financing options, investors can explore high-yielding opportunities in the states rapidly growing market, CREDAI chairman DS Tripathy told mediapersons on Wednesday. Senior members of CREDAI were present in the press meet.

Cuttack MP pushes for civilian airport at Charbatia

Three inter-district burglars held, valuables worth Rs 25 lakh seized in Odisha

CUTTACK: Police have busted an inter-district burglary gang, arresting three members, including the receiver, and recovered stolen jewellery and other items worth Rs 25 lakh from them. The gang comprised mainly members of a nomadic group. The burglars, Bikas Das and Kuna Das, and receiver Debasish Sahoo belong to Kendrapara district. While Bikas and Kuna were nabbed on Sunday, Debasish was apprehended on Tuesday. Gold and silver ornaments and brass utensils worth around Rs 25 lakh were seized from him. Briefing mediapersons, Cuttack SP (Rural) Prateek Singh said they began an investigation after receiving a complaint from one Ramesh Sahoo of Erakana within Bhadreswar police limits that some miscreants looted his house on March 7. Basing on further inputs provided by the complainant, we suspected the accused belonged to a nomadic community. So we engaged our sources in different villages where people of the community reside to gather more information. Subsequently, acting on a tip-off that some youths slept in an open field in the night, a special police team led by Salipur SDPO Biranchi Narayan Pati nabbed Kuna and Bikash on Sunday, the SP said. During interrogation, they confessed to have committed a series of burglaries in Cuttack and neighbouring districts and handed over the stolen ornaments to Debasish, who was the receiver, Singh said. During interrogation, Debasish revealed he had pledged the stolen gold in INDEL Money and Muthoot Mercantile Limited branches at Kendrapara in his wife and mothers names. While 24 pledged gold deposited in the name of his mother were seized from Muthoot Mercantile Limited, around six pledged gold in the name of his wife were recovered from INDEL Money. This apart, as many as 376 pledges were found to have been created in the name of Debasish and his mother with INDEL Money during the last two years which are under investigation, Singh added. While Bikash is involved in 18 burglary cases, as many as 11 burglary cases are pending against Kuna at different police stations in Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Jajpur districts. Similarly, Debasish has so far been arrested in 13 cases, the SP said. The gang grazes cattle in the morning and resorts to burglary in the nights, Singh said, adding that efforts are underway to nab the other gang members.

Prez drops Cuttack from her tour itinerary

Odisha: Todays Pics

Women offering prayers to Goddess Mangala on Road No. 11, Jharapada Jagannath Nagar, on the first Tuesday of Chaitra month A scene from the play at Labanya Dance Festival held at Bhanja Kala Mandap, Bhubaneswar Women offering prayers on the roadside of Shaikh Bazar, Cuttack, on the first Tuesday of Chaitra month []

Former Union Minister, veteran BJP leader Dr Debendra Pradhan passes away at 84

BHUBANESWAR: Veteran BJP leader and former Union Minister Dr Debendra Pradhan passed away on Monday in New Delhi after a brief illness. Dr Pradhan was 84 and is survived by his wife and two sons. He breathed his last at the official residence of his son Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Born on July 16, 1941, Dr Pradhan got his MBBS degree from SCB Medical College, Cuttack in 1966. He started his career as a medical officer from Talcher. He, however, quit the government service to pursue social services and agriculture. One of the major pillars in building BJP organisation in Odisha, Dr Pradhan, joined the saffron party in 1983. He was appointed as president of the party's Talcher Mandal the same year, a post which he held till 1985. Dr Pradhan entered electoral politics in 1984. The party nominated him from the Deogarh Lok Sabha seat, which he lost.He was assigned the job of president of the undivided Dhenkanal district in 1985. He was elected as BJP's state president for two consecutive terms from 1988 to 1993. His third term as state unit president was from 1995 to 1997. A close associate of BJP veteran Kushabhau Thakre, Dr Pradhan,after two defeats in 1991 and 1996,tasted electoral success in 1998 from Deogarh parliamentary constituency. The same year, he became the Surface Transport Minister in the cabinet of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He again won the 1991 election from Deogarh and went on become Union Minister of Surface Transport and Agriculture in the Vajpayee government. Dr Pradhan was national vice president of BJP from 2001-02. His electoral politics came to an end after he lost the 2004 Assembly election to Pallahara. He, however, continued to guide the party as a Marg Darshak. Condolences started pouring in after the news of Dr Pradhan's demise broke.Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his last respects to the mortal remains of Dr Pradhan at the residence of Dharmendra Pradhan. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had paid a visit to Dr Pradhan on Sunday. Majhi who returned from the national capital last night, in his condolence message, said he is deeply saddened to hear about the demise of the former Union Minister. He was a popular leader and a skilled parliamentarian who dedicated his life to serving the nation and the state of Odisha. As the president of the state BJP, he played a crucial role in the rise of the party in Odisha. His contributions to the development of the state and the welfare of its people will always be remembered, the CM said. The country and the state have lost a distinguished public servant. His dedication to the well-being of the people and the development of the state will always be cherished, he said. I extend my deepest condolences to his son, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and the entire family. May God give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace, Majhi said.

Holi violence erupts: Six killed across Odisha, including two in Bhubaneswar

Holi celebrations turned bloody in the state with at least six murders, including two in the capital city, taking place due to drunkenness and over flimsy grounds. In the capital city Bhubaneswar, both the killings were reported to be carried out under the influence of alcohol. The first occurred at Mancheswar Industrial Estate where one Tanmay Behera stabbed another Ayushman Pati in the chest in the heat of an argument over a petty issue. The victim was rushed to the Capital Hospital where he was declared brought dead. Police said, Tanmay of Begunia was staying on rent in Mancheswar and known to Ayushman, a local. But, both were not on good terms. During Holi celebrations, both had allegedly consumed liquor and crossed path in a drunken state. After committing the crime, Tanmay informed his brothers Prashant and Padmanav about the matter and they rushed to facilitate his escape. The brothers along with an accomplice Samir Kumar Swain first took Tanmay to Nayagarh in a car but the police tracked their location and chased them. They then took him towards Pipili in an auto-rickshaw. Meanwhile, fearing arrest, Tanmay reportedly consumed a toxic fig (dimiri) to inflict self-harm, but police nabbed the four in time. Tanmay was treated at the Madanpur CHC for poisoning. All the four have been arrested and forwarded to court. In the second incident, two groups had an argument in Shantipalli Basti within Saheed Nagar police limits during the celebrations. Police said the victim Gopi Guni had a heated exchange with Pinku Guni, his 17-year-old minor son and their relative Bana Guni. Pinku and the minor boy allegedly held Gopi, and Bana stabbed him with a knife. Police said Gopi and Pinku were working as labourers and Bana was unemployed. Pinku was apprehended and the minor boy detained, but Bana is still at large. Both Pinku and Bana have criminal antecedents. Preliminary probe suggests both the murders took place over sudden provocation. Investigation also revealed the prime accused of the two cases were under the influence of alcohol, said DCP, Jagmohan Meena. In neighbouring Cuttack, a 25-year-old youth shot dead an acquaintance following a heated exchange of words in an inebriated condition over spilling water on a carrom board. The accused, Prakash Sutar alias Kitu of Pattamundai in Kendrapara, is an interior designer by profession. The deceased, Bikash Mohanty of Birang in Jagatsinghpur, ran a motor spare parts shop in Phulnakhara locality. DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said the deceased was friends with Kitus cousins who live in a rented accommodation at Dwaraka Chouk in Srikrishna Vihar here. On Saturday night, Kitu, his cousins along with a few friends including Bikash were having a feast for Holi. They were all drinking and playing carrom when Bikash poured water on the carrom board. This angered Kitu and an argument broke out between the duo. Provoked, he pulled out a pistol and shot Bikash, killing him on the spot, the DCP said. In Sambalpur, a 25-year-old youth Sahul Singh allegedly stabbed an 18-year-old Aditya Salema to death at Sahu Colony under Town police limits. According to reports, on Saturday morning, while Aditya was at his home, Sahul sent some boys to call him. When Aditya went to meet him, they got into a verbal duel and in a fit of rage, Sahul stabbed Aditya on his back. Sahul fled the spot soon after the incident and Aditya was rushed to DHH where he was pronounced death. Following his death, the locals of his neighbourhood created ruckus and demanded immediate arrest of the accused. To control the situation, two platoons of police were deployed at the spot and after a brief search, the accused was nabbed by police. Two more persons were killed in Berhampur and Angul. A contractor T Ramchandra Patra was allegedly murdered by one Chandan Sahu alias Papun after he allegedly refused to give him money for booze at Lanjipalli in Berhampur. Police said, Patra was chatting with some of his friends in front of his house after playing Holi when Papun reached there. They exchanged some words following which Papun took out a knife and stabbed Patra several times. Patra died on the spot while Papun was overpowered by the others and beaten up before being handed over to police. At Angul, a house painter Azad Hussain was also stabbed by one Mantu Samantray. Hussains fault was intervening to end a quarrel between Mantu and one Saroj Bengra in the morning. After the Holi celebrations ended, Mantu went to Hussains house and started abusing him. As the latter rushed out, Mantu pulled out a sharp weapon and stabbed him. While Hussain succumbed to his injuries, Mantu has been arrested and forwarded to court.

Orissa HC issues stay order on recruitment of sepoys, constables

CUTTACK: The process of appointment of 1,360 sepoys/constables across 16 different battalions on the basis of advertisement issued by the State Selection Board (Odisha Police) on August 29, 2024, has hit fresh legal hurdle with the Orissa High Court imposing restriction on it. The court on Thursday issued the interim stay order on an appeal filed by the state government challenging the order passed by a single judge for one-time six-year relaxation of the upper age limit for candidates seeking to apply for the posts. The single judge issued the order on December 5, 2024, after a batch of petitions by candidates who had crossed the 23 years upper age limit challenged the advertisement. When the state governments appeal was taken up for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, advocate general Pitambar Acharya submitted that the recruitment contemplated by the advertisement is for entry into the uniformed force. It is not and cannot be called a civil service. Hence, the single judge erred in law to give direction for revision of the advertisement by issuance of corrigendum, Acharya argued. Taking note of it, the division bench of Acting Chief Justice Arindam Sinha and Justice MS Sahoo posted the matter to March 20 for further consideration and directed that till adjourned date, no step shall be taken pursuant to the advertisement. In the December 5 judgment the single judge directed the State Selection Board (Odisha Police) to amend the advertisement it had issued on August 29 to incorporate the relaxation of the upper age limit for candidates adversely affected by delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the prolonged non-advertisement of posts. According to case records, the Orissa Civil Service (Fixation of Upper Age Limit) Rules, 1989, were amended in 2022 to address the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, raising the upper age limit from 32 to 38 years for advertisements issued in 2021, 2022, and 2023. This relaxation was intended to benefit candidates whose recruitment opportunities were affected during the pandemic. But, the benefit of the amended rule, despite its clear applicability was not extended to the recruitment process for sepoys/constables. Accordingly, the single judge had also directed the selection board to issue a corrigendum reflecting the six-year age relaxation across all categories and accept the applications of over-aged applicants. Justifying the order, the single judge had stated, This measure seeks to mitigate the impact of delays and ensure fairness to affected candidates.

Eminent Odia poet Padma Bhushan Ramakanta Rath passes away at 90, state honours announced

BHUBANESWAR: Renowned poet and former bureaucrat Ramakanta Rath passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy in Odia literature. Born on December 30, 1934, in the Puri district, he studied English literature at Ravenshaw College in Cuttack, where he began writing. After completing his MA in 1956, he joined the Indian Administrative Service and held key positions in both the Central and State governments. Raths first poetry collection, Kete Dinara (Of Many Bygone Days), was published in 1962. Filled with soft romantic emotions and reflective meditative tones, this collection marked the beginning of a new poetry movement in Odia literature, introducing a fresh diction and structure. However, he soon moved away from romantic themes and began exploring deeper aspects of human destiny through poetry. He later published several collections, including Aneka Kothari (Several Rooms), Sandigha Mrigaya (Deer Hunt in a Mood of Indecision), Saptama Ritu (The Seventh Season), and Sachitra Andhara (Illustrated Darkness). These works uniquely blended prose and lyricism. His 1977 collection Saptama Ritu is considered a classic in Odia literature and won him the Kendriya Sahitya Akademi Award in 1978. His most celebrated work, Sri Radha , was published in 1985. This long-form poem used Radha and Krishna as metaphors for love and human consciousness. The work earned him the Saraswati Samman and cemented his reputation as a leading poet in Indian literature. Over the years, Rath received numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 2006 and the Atibadi Jagannath Das Award in 2018, the highest literary honor in Odisha. He was also honored with the State Sahitya Akademi Award, Bishuva Samman, and Kabir Samman. His poetry has been translated into English and other Indian languages, expanding his reach beyond Odisha. Apart from literature, Rath had a distinguished career as an administrator. He served as secretary to the Government of India and as the chief secretary to the Government of Odisha before retiring in 1992. He later worked as a consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Guyana. Additionally, he served as vice-president of the Kendriya Sahitya Akademi and honorary chairman of the Odisha Maritime Academy. Following his passing, tributes poured in from various quarters. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that Raths last rites would be conducted with full state honors. His efforts to bring Odia literature to national and international recognition remain unparalleled. His demise is an irreparable loss to the literary world, he said. The legendary poets final rites will be performed at Swargadwara, Puri, on Monday.

Eminent Odia Poet Ramakanta Rath Passes Away at 91

Born in Cuttack on December 13, 1933, Raths life was a harmonious blend of administrative excellence and creative brilliance

Woman cries torture by husband, hands over newborn boy to CWC

JAGATSINGHPUR: A 25-year-old woman of Balikuda has reportedly refused to hand over her newborn baby to her husband and in-laws who allegedly subjected her to domestic violence. After giving birth to a baby boy on Monday, Sumitra Behera of Nagpur village within Balikuda police limits gave away the newborn to the child welfare committee (CWC) of Jagatsinghpur. The woman claimed she was being tortured by her husband and in-laws for the last five years. Sources said Sumitra admitted herself to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) on Friday last week for delivery and claimed she was unmarried. Suspecting foul play, the hospital authorities informed the local police and the CWC about her. After investigation, it was found that Sumitra was married but had decided to divorce her husband alleging years of torture. After verifying the details, the DHH authorities admitted Sumitra and she delivered a baby boy on Monday. To everyones surprise, she refused to hand over the newborn to her husband and gave away the baby to the CWC. CWC member Bibekananda Bal said, We took custody of the boy but due to health complication, he was admitted to the special newborn care unit (SNCU) for treatment. CWC sources said Sumitra had married Chabbi Behera of Sansola village in Cuttack in 2020. However, she was allegedly subjected to domestic abuse during her stay at her in-laws place. Sumitra was pregnant when she left her husband and came to her parents house some months back. On the other hand, Chabbi said, After being informed about the birth of my son, I went to the hospital but my wife refused to hand him over to me. She did not even inform me about the delivery. I have decided to take legal recourse to get custody of my child. District child protection officer Kanhu Charan Rout said without the consent of both the husband and wife, the adoption of the baby is not possible as per the law. Steps will be taken to reunite the child with the parents after counselling, he added.

Hema Malini charms Sri Sri University audience

Cuttack: Sri Sri University witnessed a memorable afternoon Thursday as legendary actress, dancer, and cultural icon Hema Malini graced the campus for an exclusive session titled Echoes of an Era: Hema Malini Reflects on Her Iconic Films and Timeless Artistry. Held at the Shruti Auditorium, the event celebrated her remarkable contributions to Indian cinema and []

Odisha, Kol cops bust illegal gun-making unit in Cuttack; arrest 4

Illegal gun manufacturing unit busted in Odishas Cuttack, four held

Cuttack: The Special Task Force of the Odisha Crime Branch Thursday busted an illegal gun manufacturing unit in Cuttack city and arrested four persons, a police officer said. Acting on intelligence inputs, an STF team raided the Bayalis Mouza area Thursday and busted the unit operating inside a makeshift facility near a cattle shed, he []

Outrage in Odishas Cuttack after man allegedly electrocutes stray dog to death

A man in Cuttack electrocuted a stray dog with an electric fence, triggering outrage. Authorities cut his power, and an investigation is underway

Odisha STA deputy commissioner under Vigilance scanner for amassing disproportionate assets

BHUBANESWAR: State Transport Authority's (STA) deputy commissioner, Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, has come under the Vigilance scanner for allegedly amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. On receiving allegations against Mohanty of accumulating huge wealth through illegal means, the anti-corruption agency on Thursday carried out simultaneous searches at his property. Searches were conducted at Mohanty's house in the capital city's Maitri Vihar, a 4-BHK flat in Raghunathpur, and an under-construction five-storey building in the Gobinda Prasad area here. Searches were also carried out at his house in Khurda's Tangi area, a farmhouse at Kusupalla in Nayagarh district, an office in Cuttack, his relative's house in Puri, a petrol pump in the capital's Malipada, and an under-construction building in Puri's Balikhand. So far, Mohanty and his family members have been found in possession of Rs 15 lakh cash, three gold biscuits, and other ornaments. Searches are continuing to ascertain the details of the immovable and movable assets accumulated by Pradeep Mohanty. Further action will be initiated accordingly, said a Vigilance officer.

26th Sub-Junior National Fencing Cship trials from March 8

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: The Fencing Association of India will host the 26th Sub-Junior National Fencing Championship (Boys & Girls) at Cuttack, Odisha, from March 27 to 30. To select the J&K team for this prestigious event, the J&K Fencing Association (JKFA) will conduct selection trials on March 8 and 9 at the Indoor Fencing Hall, MA Stadium Jammu. The trials are open to all eligible fencers born on or after 1st January 2011. Participants must bring a [] The post 26th Sub-Junior National Fencing Cship trials from March 8 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Advanced AI Cameras to Enhance Security in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack

Currently, Bhubaneswar, designated as a smart city, has about 1,000 CCTV cameras at key junctions.

Nepalese students fear returning to KIIT campus after row over student's death

BHUBANESWAR: Nepalese students on Wednesday expressed fear about returning to the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) campus here after events that took place following the alleged suicide of a 20-year-old student from the Himalayan nation. Around 1,000 Nepalese students studying at KIIT were issued suspension notices and asked to leave the campus immediately on Monday following protests after the body of a student, Prakriti Lamsal, was found hanging from the ceiling of her hostel room on Sunday. However, following the intervention of the Centre and the state government, the KIIT authorities tendered an apology and requested the Nepalese students to return to the campus. But the harrowing experiences encountered by the Nepalese students, including being shunted out of the campus and left at Cuttack railway station and alleged incidents of being roughed up, have left them scarred and many are fearful to return, the students said. We were forced to vacate the hostel without any fault of ours. The students from Nepal were agitated over the death of Prakriti as her previous pleadings with the authorities (over alleged blackmail by her former boyfriend) were ignored. She died by suicide out of frustration, Preeti, a student from Nepal, told reporters. Narrating the harrowing experience encountered on Monday, Preeti said, We were forcibly taken on a bus and dropped at a place near the railway station where there was no shop or water. What was our fault? Now they (dean and other officials of KIIT) are affectionately asking us to return. Can anyone believe them?. Five KIIT employees , including directors of the institute, were arrested on Tuesday for harassing the Nepalese students but the Judicial Magistrate First Class-2 court later in the evening granted them bail. A 21-year-old KIIT student was earlier arrested on charges of abetting the woman's suicide. Sources said the body of the deceased will be flown to Nepal during the day. Her father Sunil Lamsal and other family members have been camping in the city for the last two days. Odisha's Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj had earlier said that 100 Nepalese students are currently on the campus and nearly 800 are in other places. They might have gone to Kolkata, Patna or Ranchi. It is the responsibility of the KIIT authorities to bring them back. They are our guests, the minister said. Sources said that most of the Nepalese students have returned to their homes in the Himalayan nation. However, neither the state government nor the KIIT authorities shared information about the number of students who have returned to the campus so far. The Odisha government had on Tuesday released the action taken report in connection with the alleged crackdown on students following the unnatural death of the student. It has formed a high-level committee headed by the additional chief secretary, home, to probe into the circumstances of the alleged suicide and the shunting of Nepalese students out of the campus by the varsity authorities. Meanwhile, several students, youths and political organisations continued their agitation outside the campus over the incident. Taking to X, KIIT stated, Deeply mourning the untimely passing of our beloved student, Prakriti Lamsal. Today, all senior functionaries of KIIT gathered to express our heartfelt condolences and stand in solidarity with her family, friends, and the student community. We are committed to ensuring justice and support for all. May her soul rest in peace.

Over 5,200 beggars Identified in Odisha; Cuttack tops the list

To address the issue, the state government has launched several initiatives aimed at eradicating begging. Two key projects, Neeladri Nilaya in Puri and Ekamra Nilaya in Bhubaneswar, as part of a broader rehabilitation programme have been introduced.

BJD demands resignation of Odisha Sports Minister over Barabati Stadium floodlight failure during IND vs ENG 2nd ODI at Cuttack

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has demanded the resignation of Odisha Sports Minister Suryavanshi Suraj on moral grounds following the floodlight failure at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack during the second ODI between India and England on February 9.

Kohli is worlds best player regardless of form: Chris Gayle

New Delhi, Feb 11: Virat Kohli may have been going through a poor run of form but the senior Indian batter remains the best player in the world, feels former West Indian swashbuckler Chris Gayle. The 36-year-old Kohli endured yet another poor outing as he was dismissed for just five runs in the second ODI against England in Cuttack on Sunday. But Gayle, who has played alongside Kohli at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL, remains unperturbed by the Indians [] The post Kohli is worlds best player regardless of form: Chris Gayle appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rohit breaking the shackles of self-doubt in typical Hitman fashion

After a series of international outings with little to show, the skipper found form with a stunning hundred in Cuttack; this bodes well for the Men in Blue, whose Champions Trophy campaign gets underway in 10 days

Barabati Stadium floodlight issue: Odisha govt issues show-cause notice to OCA

Odisha government has taken strict action following the embarrassing floodlight failure during the second India-England ODI at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.

England's Bethell ruled out of Champions Trophy

Bethell, who scored a half-century and took a wicket in the first ODI at Nagpur, missed the match at Cuttack due to a hamstring injury

I understand what is required of me: Rohit Sharma

New Delhi: India captain Rohit Sharma backed his strong mindset after gaining his form back with a century in the second ODI against England at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday. The opener was under immense criticism for his underwhelming form in the last two Test series against New Zealand and Australia, respectively. The 37-year-old 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 .

Tech issues, Buttler distraction: Kohli's second ODI dismissal sparks controversy

Kohli, who missed action in the first game due to knee issues, departed for a meager 5-runs at Cuttack

Rohit Sharma: It was just another day in office, one knock doesnt change anything

Cuttack, Feb 10: Rohit Sharma remained unfazed after his 32nd ODI ton helped banish a poor string of scores for the India captain, calling it just another day in office and adding one knock doesnt change anything. Rohit blazed his way to a 90-ball 119 with 12 fours and seven sixes to set up Indias four-wicket win over England in the second ODI here on Sunday, with the victory also giving the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match [] The post Rohit Sharma: It was just another day in office, one knock doesnt change anything appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

That's Where I Prepared My Plan: Rohit On Century In 2nd ODI vs England

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said on Sunday that he enjoyed scoring a hundred for the team, and attributed his century to him reaking down his batting approach in Cuttack on Sunday.

Rohit powers India to ODI series win over England

India take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the one-day international series against England after Rohit Sharma's superb century in Cuttack.

IND vs ENG 2nd ODI: Rohit Sharma's blazing century powers India to 4-wicket win over England in Cuttack, seal series

Rohit Sharma delivered a masterclass, scoring 119 runs off just 90 balls, which included 12 boundaries and 7 sixes.

Rohit 'Hitman' Sharma hits form with a tremendous ton against England in Cuttack

Rohit Sharma returned to form in style by delivering a powerful performance against England, scoring a 30-ball fifty at Barabati Stadium. His impressive display is vital for India as they aim to extend their lead before the Champions Trophy, easing concerns after a series of low scores.

Floodlight failure halts India-England ODI for 35 minutes

Cuttack: In a major embarrassment for the BCCI, a floodlight failure interrupted play in the second ODI between India and England for about 35 minutes at the Barabati Stadium, here on Sunday, February 9. India was cruising at 48 for no loss in 6.1 overs in a chase of 305 when one of the eight 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 .

BCCI Left Red-Faced, Play Gets Halted For Bizarre Reason In 2nd ODI

Play had to be halted due to a major technical failure during the India vs England 2nd ODI in Cuttack.

Root, Duckett fifties guide England to 304 against India

CUTTACK, Feb 9: Veteran batter Joe Root and opener Ben Duckett scored fifties to lead England to a competitive 304 all out against India in the second ODI here on Sunday. India are leading the three-match series 1-0 after their victory in Nagpur. Root (69, 72b, 64) got some good support from Duckett (65, 56b, 104) and skipper Jos Buttler (34, 35b, 24), with whom he had a 51-run stand for the fourth wicket. Liam Livingstone made a 32-ball 41 [] The post Root, Duckett fifties guide England to 304 against India appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma joins Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni in elite list; becomes 3rd Indian skipper to....

Rohit Sharma joined MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in an illustrious list of captains during the 2nd ODI of the three-match series against England in Cuttack.

Varun Chakravarthy becomes second-oldest Indian to debut in ODI

Varun Chakravarthy makes his ODI debut at 33 years against England in Cuttack, becoming the second oldest Indian to debut in the format. With the Champions Trophy approaching, the mystery spinner's inclusion is timely. Captain Rohit Sharma praised Varun's unique skills, hinting at his potential inclusion in the final Champions Trophy squad.

IND vs ENG 2nd ODI live streaming: When and where to watch India vs England Cuttack ODI live on tv, online?

IND vs ENG 2nd ODI: Here's all you need to know about India vs England 2nd ODI in Cuttack, from playing XI to live streaming and more.

IND vs ENG Dream11 prediction: Fantasy cricket tips, dream11 team for India vs England 2nd ODI in Cuttack

IND vs ENG 2nd ODI Dream 11 Team - Check My Dream11 Team, Best Player's list for India vs England 2nd ODI in Cuttack.

Ravi Shastri inaugurates MGM T20 Championship 2025 in Odishas Cuttack

Ravi Shastri and Bharat Arun inaugurated the four-day T20 tournament, which features teams from the MGM School of Sports and the Coaching Beyond Cricket Excellence Centre from Chennai, Hyderabad, and Vadodara.

Kohli fit for 2nd ODI, Rohits form not a concern: Kotak

Cuttack, Feb 8: Star batter Virat Kohli is good to go in the second ODI against England, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed on Saturday and downplayed concerns about skipper Rohit Sharmas prolonged lean patch. Kohli had missed the first ODI due to a sore right knee. India had won the series opener in Nagpur, where the hosts secured a four-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Virat Kohli is fit to play. He has come [] The post Kohli fit for 2nd ODI, Rohits form not a concern: Kotak appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

2nd ODI: Rohits lean run, Kohlis return in focus as India eye series win over England

Cuttack, Feb 8: The barren run of skipper Rohit Sharma and the selection conundrum that Virat Kohlis possible return poses are the towering obstacles in Indias quest for a series win against England in the second ODI here on Sunday. India had taken a 1-0 lead after their four-wicket win at Nagpur, but Kohli getting rested owing to a sore right knee had raised concerns about his fitness ahead of the Champions Trophy later this month. However, vice-captain Shubman Gill [] The post 2nd ODI: Rohits lean run, Kohlis return in focus as India eye series win over England appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

India-England Odi at Cuttack Barabati: Teams arrive in Bhubaneswar

Teams arrive in the city amid heightened security, and meticulous preparations for the big clash.

National recognition for Cuttack Baliyatra, now tagged as a 'National Fair'

The Central Government has officially granted the prestigious 'National Fair' status to Odishas iconic Baliyatra, a historic trade fair held annually in Cuttack. This recognition was announced on Thursday by Union minister for culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

India vs England, 1st ODI: When, where to watch India and England clash? Here are key details

India will face England in a three-match ODI series starting Thursday at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. The second and third matches will be held in Cuttack and Ahmedabad. India's squad for the series remains largely unchanged, except for the inclusion of Varun Charavarthy in place of Jasprit Bumrah. Rohit Sharma will captain the team.

Services Complete Second Highest Chase Against Odisha; J&K Enter Quarters With Win Over Baroda

Cuttack, Feb 2: Riding on openers Shubham Rohillas 209 not out and Suraj Vashishts unbeaten 154, Services achieved the second highest successful run-chase in Ranji Trophy history as they overhauled a 376-run target against Odisha without losing a wicket in their Group A match here on Sunday. Services effort is second only to Railways 378-run chase against Tripura in Agartala last year. Vashisht and Rohillas unbroken 376-run partnership is also the second highest stand in a successful fourth-innings run-chase in [] The post Services Complete Second Highest Chase Against Odisha; J&K Enter Quarters With Win Over Baroda appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Odisha: Man, brother-in-law among 3 killed while taking back father's body home from hospital

BHADRAK: A 26-year-old man, his brother-in-law and the driver of the ambulance on which they were taking back the body of his deceased father from hospital were killed on Saturday in Odisha's Bhadrak district after the vehicle was hit by a dumper from behind, police said. The accident happened on National Highway 16 near Maitapur, about 16 km from Bhadrak town, they said. The deceased were identified as Sanjay Jena (26), Sudhansu Jena (42), and the ambulance driver, Dillip Singh (43). Sanjay's mother Sabitri Jena suffered grievous injuries and was admitted to the Bhogarai hospital. Sanjay's father Dibakar Jena died at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack on Friday night while undergoing treatment for some ailment. The accident happened when they were taking back his body to their native place in Palasia village in the Bhogarai police station area. A case was lodged, and an investigation is underway, police said.

APTDC offering Kumbh Mela bus services for pilgrims

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is offering special Maha Kumbh Mela bus services for pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to various locations across Uttar Pradesh. According to an APTDC press release on Thursday, the corporation will run two special bus services, departing from Tirupati and Nellore on February 11 and February 12, respectively. For reservations, individuals can contact www.aptdc.in or visit tourism.ap.gov.in . APTDC officials said the first special service will depart from Tirupati at 6 a.m. on February 11. The service will stop at various locations, including Ontimitta, Kadapa Bypass, Orvakallu, Kurnool Bypass, Hyderabad, Jabalpur, Chitrakut, Prayagraj, Kashi and Nagpur before returning. The tour will conclude in Telangana on February 17 and in Andhra Pradesh on February 18. The package cost of the tour will be between 20,000 and 22,000 for adults and between 17,200 and 19,000 for children, depending on the pickup point. However, pilgrims will need to pay their darshan, meals and refreshment charges. For additional information, pilgrims can contact APTDC officials at Tirupati, Kadapa, Kurnool and Hyderabad. The second special service will start from Nellore at 6 a.m. on February 12, travelling via Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Annavaram, Visakhapatnam, Puri, Konark, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Chandipur, Gaya, Bodh Gaya and Kashi before reaching Prayagraj. On the return journey, the service will return to Vijayawada via Sri Kurmam and Arasavalli. The tour will conclude in Andhra Pradesh on February 18 and February 19.

Odisha Set for a Golden Era of Development, Says CM Mohan Charan Majhi

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday outlined his government's ambitious goals for the next five years, declaring that the state is on the brink of a golden era in its development. With strategic investments planned across key sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture, the state is set to undergo a transformative phase. These announcements were made during the Republic Day celebrations in Cuttack, marking the beginning of a new era focused on welfare, development, and empowerment for all sections of society. In our very first state cabinet meeting, held just an hour after I took the oath of office on June 12, 2024, we made key decisions aimed at accelerating Odishas development, said Chief Minister Majhi. Among these were the opening of Shri Mandir's four doors, the launch of the Subhdra Yojana for women's empowerment, the establishment of a Rs 3,100 per quintal support price for farmers' paddy, and the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in the state. With these goals accomplished, we are now focused on education reforms, infrastructure projects, and the empowerment of our tribal communities, he added. The CM said the state focused on skill development which will serve as the key driver of economic growth. Through the states From Skill to Demand initiative, the government aims to create 100,000 new jobs by attracting investments in industries such as IT, semiconductors, steel, and agriculture-based sectors, he observed. To further boost job creation, the state government has approved an investment of Rs 2 lakh crore, which is expected to generate over a million jobs across various sectors, including IT, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, the CM added. With collaborative efforts from both the central and state governments, Odisha is poised for rapid development over the next five years. This period will see significant growth in the states infrastructure, economy, and social sectors. The government's focus on sustainable development, gender equality, farmer welfare, and tribal empowerment underscores its commitment to ensuring that all communities benefit from this growth, Majhi claimed

Odisha: Van carrying school students to Republic Day parade overturns; 1 killed, over 20 injured in Cuttack

Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and ensure the affected families receive the necessary support

Blow to BJD leader: Supreme Court orders Odisha govt to respond within 4 weeks in double murder case

Bhubaneswar : The Mahanga double murder case, which has entangled prominent Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Pratap Jena, has taken a significant turn with the Supreme Court of India directing the Odisha government to submit a formal response within four weeks. The order, issued earlier this week, comes after a petition was filed by Ranjit Baral, the son of Kulamani Baral, one of the victims in the high-profile case. Ranjit Baral had approached the Apex Court seeking justice for the brutal killing of his father, Kulamani Baral, and his associate, Dibyasingha Baral. The petition raised concerns over the investigation process by the states Crime Branch and called for a transparent judicial review. With the case continuing to attract public attention, the Supreme Court emphasised the need for the Odisha administration to respond comprehensively, highlighting the urgency of addressing public and familial demands for justice. The Mahanga double murder has become a flashpoint for political tensions, given Pratap Jenas involvement. Kulamani Baral, a prominent BJP leader and the block chairman of Mahanga, was killed alongside his associate Dibyasingha Baral on January 2, 2021. The two men were tragically hacked to death by unidentified assailants while travelling on a motorbike near Jankoti village, under Mahanga block in Cuttack. The brutal murders shocked the local community and ignited widespread speculation, with many alleging political motives behind the killings. The Baral family has long claimed that the murders were orchestrated on the orders of Pratap Jena, a charge that has added significant political weight to the case. Earlier, in 2022, the High Court of Orissa had given Pratap Jena a clean chit in the case, ruling in his favour after he challenged a lower courts decision to take cognizance of offenses against him. The decision was controversial, with critics arguing that the case had not been thoroughly investigated. However, the Supreme Courts recent intervention has reopened the matter, underscoring the importance of ensuring that justice is served in a fair and transparent manner. The investigation was further complicated when Prafulla Biswal, the prime accused in the case, was found dead under mysterious circumstances. This has only added to the intrigue surrounding the case, leading many to question whether the investigation was being influenced by political pressure or other external factors

Unity key to realise Viksit Bharat: PM

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday recalled how Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave a rallying call for swaraj (freedom) and exhorted people of the country to unite again for the vision of Viksit Bharat (developed India). As unity was essential for attaining Swaraj then, today unity is crucial for a Viksit Bharat. Today, we have to be united to create a developed India. With the inspiration of Netaji, we all have to come out of our comfort zone to build a developed India, Modi asserted on the occasion of Netajis Jayanti. The Prime Minister cautioned citizens about forces attempting to weaken the country. Emphasising Indias unity under the inspiration of Netaji, he said, We have to be cautious of those who want to weaken the country, who want to break the unity of the country. Virtually addressing the Parakram Diwas event held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Modi stated that the iconic freedom fighters life remains a continuous source of inspiration. The event was held in Odishas Cuttack, which was Netajis birthplace. Speaking about Netajis connection with Indias heritage, he remarked, India is emerging from a colonial mindset and developing with pride in its heritage, in alignment with Netajis pride in Indias heritage. In his virtual address, Modi urged citizens to follow Netajis example, saying, As Netaji never got trapped in a comfort zone and preferred to struggle for the countrys independence. Similarly, we all have to step out of our comfort zones to build a Viksit Bharat. We have to make ourself best globally. We have to chose excellence and focus on efficiency. PM interacts with students | pti Stressing the importance of unity for a developed nation, Modi encouraged people to draw inspiration from Netajis life. He noted that Netaji took pride in Indias heritage and often spoke about its rich democratic history, and encouraged people to draw inspiration from it. Citing his governments, including the renaming of islands in the Andamans after Bose, the installation of his statue at India Gate, and the celebration of his birth anniversary as Parakram Diwas, the Prime Minister affirmed the governments commitment to promoting Netajis legacy. Highlighting his governments achievements, he noted that the fast pace of development aligns with public progress, as over 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, and significant advancements in modern infrastructure have been achieved. He stated that India has now emerged as a strong global voice and is making rapid strides to improve the lives of its citizens. Today, Indias role is increasing on the world stage, Indias voice is getting louder, and the day is not far when India will become the third-largest economic power in the world, Modi said. He stressed that a favourable environment exists globally for Indias progress and that the world is watching how the country makes the 21st century its own. Calling on the people to work collectively to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister said, We have to keep working continuously for a developed India with one goal and one objective inspired by Netaji, and this will be our true tribute to him. The Prime Minister paid tribute to Netaji at a commemoration event in Parliament along with leaders from different parties, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. School students were invited to the event and Modi interacted with them over a host of topics, including Netaji and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Beware of forces seeking to break Viksit Bharat goals, Modi warns people

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called upon people to stay united in pursuit of Viksit Bharat and warned them against the forces seeking to weaken the country and break its unity. Virtually addressing a Parakram Diwas event held in Cuttack to commemorate Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses birth anniversary in the city of his birth, Prime Minister Modi said that the iconic freedom fighters life was a source of continuous inspiration for people. In his virtual address, the PM said: Today, when we are engaged in achieving the resolution of Developed India (Viksit Bharat), the legacy of life of Netaji Subhas Bose will constantly inspire us. Mentioning that Netajis foremost and most important goal was a free India, Mr Modi said Netaji was born in a prosperous family and, having cleared the Civil Services Examination, he could have been a senior officer in the British government and led a comfortable life. Netaji, however, chose the path of difficulties and challenges in the quest for Independence along with wandering in India and other countries. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was not bound by the comforts of the comfort zone, the Prime Minister said. He said: Today, we all need to step out of our comfort zones to build a Viksit Bharat. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of becoming globally the best, choosing excellence, and focusing on efficiency. Pointing out that Netaji had formed the Azad Hind Fauj for the countrys freedom and people from diverse backgrounds united for the cause, the Prime Minister highlighted that despite having different languages, their common sentiment was the countrys freedom. This unity is a significant lesson for a Viksit Bharat today and just as unity was essential for Swaraj then, it is now crucial for a Viksit Bharat, he said. Saying that people should seek inspiration from Boses life for Indias unity, Mr Modi said: We have to stay alert to those who want to weaken the country and break its unity. The Prime Minister cited a host of decisions, including the naming of islands in the Andamans after Bose, installation of his statue at India Gate and celebration of his birth anniversary as Parakram Diwas, taken by his government to emphasise on its work to promote his legacy. Bose took pride in Indias heritage, he said. Mr Modi said that the fast pace of development goes hand in hand with the peoples progress, strengthening of the armed forces and overall development. While over 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, modern infrastructure is also being built and the strength of the armed forces has risen in an unprecedented manner in the last one decade, he said, adding that India has emerged as a strong voice globally.

Stay united for 'viksit Bharat': PM Modi on Bose's birth anniversary

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called upon people to stay united in pursuit of 'viksit Bharat' and warned them against the forces seeking to weaken the country and break its unity. Addressing a 'Parakram Diwas' event held in Cuttack to commemorate Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary in the city of his birth, Modi said the iconic freedom fighter's life is a source of continuous inspiration for people. In the remarks delivered virtually, he said Netaji, as Bose was fondly called, chose to shun comfort zone and preferred to struggle for the country's independence. Modi said, He never got trapped in a comfort zone. Similarly, we all have to step out of our comfort zone to build a viksit Bharat. We have to make ourself best globally. We have to chose excellence and focus on efficiency. Bose was single-mindedly focussed on the country's 'swaraj' (self rule) and people from diverse background united for the cause, he said. Now we have to stay united for a developed India, he added. He said people should seek inspiration from Bose's life for India's unity. We have to stay alert to those who wanted to weaken the country and break its unity, he said. The prime minister cited a host of decisions, including the naming of islands in the Andamans after Bose, installation of his statue at India Gate and celebration of his birth anniversary as 'Parakram Diwas', taken by his government to emphasise on its work to promote his legacy. Bose took pride in India's heritage, he said. Fast pace of development, he added, goes hand in hand with people's progress, strengthening of the armed forces and overall development. While over 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, modern infrastructure in also being built and the strength of armed forces has risen in an unprecedented manner in the last one decade, he said. India has emerged as a strong voice globally, he added.