Four migrant workers from Odisha stranded in Oman return home
Four migrant workers from Ganjam district, Odisha, returned home safely on Friday, February 21, after being stranded in Oman without receiving their salaries. The workers, who had been working as plumbers in Oman, arrived in Mumbai on an Air India Express flight from Muscat at 4 AM on Thursday, February 20. They then reached Berhampur 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 .
NIT Rourkela researchers use machine learning to assess groundwater quality for irrigation
Panel quizzes KIIT founder in Nepalese student's suicide
The founder of KIIT, Achyuta Samanta, and other top officials of the private engineering college were questioned by a government committee about the alleged suicide of a Nepalese girl in her hostel and the assault on students of her country. The incident sparked outrage in the Odisha Assembly, with opposition members demanding a judicial inquiry. Samanta was questioned for two hours, along with the institute's Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Dean, and two suspended women officials. The committee is investigating the circumstances surrounding the student's suicide, the alleged high-handedness of the institute's administration, and the decision to suspend specific students and shut down the institute for them. The Odisha government has assured Nepalese students that it will cover their travel expenses, arrange remedial classes, and reschedule their mid-semester examinations if necessary.
MEA expresses deep sadness over incident at KIIT Deemed University in Odisha
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the ministry has been in close communication with the Odisha government and the authorities at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT Deemed University) since the incident came to light
Teacher takes up farm labour to protest salary delay
CM discusses about rly projects with Union min
Stranded Odisha workers return home from Oman
Railway Ministry asks X to remove outrageous videos, pics of Delhi stampede: Sources
New Delhi: Railway Ministry has asked social media platform X to remove a few pictures of the February 15 stampede incidents at the New Delhi Railway Station which outrage womens modesty as well as those that contain gory photos or videos, railway sources said. Eighteen passengers lost their lives and several others were injured when []
20-acre enclosure ready for Zeenat: Forest dept
KIIT founder, 7 others questioned over univ incident
Odisha CM holds discussions with Ashwini Vaishnaw on development of railway infra
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Friday held detailed discussions with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on the various issues related to the development of the railway infrastructure in Odisha. CM Majhi, who is on a visit to the national capital, called on Railway Minister Vaishnaw Friday. The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned several significant []
KIIT University row: Odisha minister says efforts underway to bring back Nepali students
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said Friday said that efforts are on to bring back the Nepali students and also assured them to bear the travel expenses of all the students returning back to their campuses at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar. Speaking during the discussion on the adjournment motion moved by the legislators []
India calls Erdogans Kashmir remarks unacceptable, lodges strong protest
New Delhi: Nearly a week after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke on the issue of Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan, New Delhi Friday said such unwarranted statements on Indias territorial integrity and sovereignty were unacceptable, adding that it has lodged a strong protest on the matter with the Turkish ambassador here. We reject []
After PNB, THIS state-owned lender reports 227-crore loan fraud by Odisha-based firm to RBI
The bank has informed that Non Performing Asset (NPA) of Gupta Power Infrastructure Ltd has been declared as fraud
Class X student dies in Balasore hours before exam
Rlys announces key infra projects for south Odisha
Govt officials penalised Rs 1.24cr over past five years
Capital city to host Subhadra Shakti Mela from today
Odisha working to get international recognition for Bali Yatra: Minister
Bhubaneswar: Odisha is taking steps to get international recognition for the annual Bali Yatra held in Cuttack city, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said Friday. Speaking in the Assembly, he said the state government has formed a team of experts, which is working to get the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage recognition. During Question Hour, Congress MLA []
Schopman wins battle of coaches as Germany women sink India
BHUBANESWAR: Like the city has tended to do over the last few days, the blazing afternoon sun had given way to threatening storm clouds on Friday evening. Just when the respective India-Germany women's teams lined up for the anthems, some of the scribes sought the comfort of the media centre as droplets of water began falling on the media tribune, a place inside the ground where journalists sit and file in real-time. There were similar scenes elsewhere across the four stands of the Kalinga Stadium. Fans made their way to the quickest exit. On the blue turf, though, it was very much business as usual for the sides. Even if the Pro League has a tangible reward for the team finishing first at the end of the season a World Cup spot sides have been taking it easy, playing in second and third gear rather than chasing after lost causes and putting bodies on the line. It's how competitions at the beginning of a new Olympic cycle tend to be; the older players have either left or are being phased out, youth is the buzzword and a loss is more palatable because sides can dress it up as growing pains, lessons for the future. Saying all that, the India vs Germany encounter had some promise because of the rich narratives in play. One of the last times these two sides faced each other (an Olympic qualifier at Ranchi early last year), Germany dumped India in a penalty shoot-out in the semifinal. Subsequently, India failed to win the third-place match. A month later, Janneke Schopman, then India coach, resigned. These days, Schopman is in charge of the German women's team. Actually, both sides have new coaches, a common theme at the beginning of a new Olympic cycle. Coaches Schopman and Harendra Singh with plenty to prove. For the former, another chance to show her coaching acumen in India after leading the Odisha Warriors to the title in the inaugural Women's Hockey India League. She doesn't want to spend too much time on her experience with the women's time (the Dutchwoman had accused her former employers of discrimination before resigning). That is a closed chapter, the stint with the German team is about embracing new challenges. For Singh, too, the Indian stint is a new challenge. On the evidence of the 60 minutes in the driving rain, Singh's challenge is far greater. They weren't at the races as the visitors were all over them like a rash from pushback. From an Indian perspective, this was like watching a bad movie, the relief apparent only after the end, with the electronic scoreboard saying India 0-4 Germany. After the match, the Indian coach claimed his side were the fitter outfit but the visitors were quicker to snuff out danger, reacted better to chances and scored several eye-catching goals in the process. The second one, by Sophia Schwabe who dribbled past several defenders before finding the board, was a case in point. At half-time, Singh, in a short pitchside interview, had said his team was giving Germany way too much respect. He touched on it after the match. Too much respect for the opponents, he said in the mixed zone. So much discussion about the match in the dressing room and meeting room... show the character. We have to show grit and determination. If we show too much respect, we are going to pay the price. Show the character, show determination, show that you are hungry... in the third quarter, we were all over them but small mistakes and we went back to our shell. This is what we have to learn, the entire team has to work but someone has to step up and take the lead and start because there's no communication, no coaching on the pitch, everyone just running here and there in the first quarter wasting their gas. By the time the final hooter had cut through the evening air, the rain had dissipated and the soundtrack of the crowd's familiar roar every time an Indian player drove forward with the ball was back. However, it was few and far in between. Friday's scores: Women: Netherlands 5-1 England, Germany 4-0 India. Men: India 3-1 Ireland.
As many as 159 students of Odisha university have returned to Nepal: Official
Kathmandu: Days after a Nepalese female student allegedly died by suicide at an Odisha university and the college administration ordered Nepali students to vacate the hostel, 159 students have returned to the country via Raxaul border, an official has said. Assistant Chief District Officer of Parsa Suman Kumar Karki said that 159 Nepali students arrived 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 .
India beat Ireland 3-1 in mens FIH Pro League
Bhubaneswar: The Indian mens hockey team came back from a goal down to beat Ireland 3-1 in FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar Friday. The Indians were stunned by the Irish in the eighth minute when Jeremy Duncan scored from a field effort. But the Indians bounced back strongly, scoring a field goal through Mandeep Singh []
Two child marriages stopped in Koraput
Turtle Wonderland: 3 Lakh Olive Ridley Turtles Arrive For Mass Nesting In Odisha
If you are fascinated by marine creatures, it is time to pack your bags and head straight to Odisha!
Over 5.5 Lakh Eggs Laid By Olive Ridley Turtles On Odisha's Beaches
A female Olive Ridley usually lays about 120 to 150 eggs from which hatchlings emerge after about 45 to 50 days.
Rushikulya mass nesting site in Odisha sees record arrival of 6.5 lakh Olive Ridleys
Indian Coast Guard deploys ships and aircraft to monitor protected areas; checks fishing vessels to ensure use of turtle excluder devices
Dont take me lightly, says deputy CM Eknath Shinde amid reports of rift with Fadnavis
NAGPUR, Feb 21: Amid talk of a growing rift with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Friday said nobody should take him lightly, and made a veiled reference to the toppling of the MVA government. It was a warning for those who are capable of understanding, he said, talking to reporters in Nagpur. He had been a worker of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and Sena leader late Anand Dighe, said Shinde, who heads the Shiv [] The post Dont take me lightly, says deputy CM Eknath Shinde amid reports of rift with Fadnavis appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Plan to encourage millet-based liquor production
Private coaching centre owner arrested for raping student thrice
Excise department uses drones to trace illicit liquor operations
New Delhi: A political row erupted Friday after a media report claimed USD 21 million aid by USAID was meant for Bangladesh and not India, with the Congress demanding an apology from the BJP and the ruling party accusing Rahul Gandhi of colluding with foreign forces to weaken India. The Congress alleged that the BJPs []
745 students in Keonjhar skip first days exam
Netanyahu decries release of wrong body as ceasefire violation, Hamas pledges to investigate
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed revenge Friday for what he described as a cruel and malicious violation of the ceasefire agreement after a body that Hamas released as part of the deal was found to not be that of an Israeli mother of two young boys, as the militants had promised. The incident []
Lallu outlines accountability measures for Cong revival
HSC examinees happy on first day on exam
OYO ad row: Company says this after facing netizens outrage
New Delhi: Facing netizens outrage over its newspaper advertisement, travel tech unicorn OYO on Friday clarified that the ad was meant to promote religious tourism in India and not hurt any religious sentiments. Several users took to social media platform X to raise objections to the phrase God is Everywhere. And so is OYO in []
Need to preserve high growth momentum, maintain price stability: RBI Governor
New Delhi: Stronger policy frameworks and robust macro fundamentals remain the key to resilience and fostering overall macroeconomic stability, according to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra. In the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held earlier this month, the minutes of which were released by the central bank Friday, Malhotra said that domestically too, there is a []
ED slaps Rs 3.44 crore penalty on BBC WS India; fines three directors
New Delhi: Enforcement Directorate has levied a penalty of more than Rs 3.44 crore on BBC World Service India for alleged contravention of foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations, agency officials said Friday. The federal probe agency also fined three of its directors with more than Rs 1.14 crore each as it issued an adjudication order []
Israel will never forget or forgive: Netanyahu mourns children killed by Hamas
Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Friday expressed sorrow and anger over the brutal killing of kidnapped children by Hamas as their bodies were returned to Israel amid national mourning. In a statement, Netanyahu said: Today is a tragic day. Its a day of boundless sorrow, of indescribable pain. Four-year-old Ariel Bibas, his baby []
Indian Consul General visits famous Buddhist temple in Shanghai
Beijing: Indias Consul General in Shanghai Pratik Mathur visited the prominent Jingan Temple in China Friday and offered prayers to its 15-tonne silver Buddha idol. Mathur was warmly received by the Abbot Master Ya Yun of the temple, who hails from the Shingon sect, which traces its lineage to the great Buddhist masters of India, []
Former BJD MP Mr. Samanta arrived at the State guest house; two suspended senior KIIT officials, Jayanti Nath and Manjusha Pande, appeared before the committee at 4 p.m.
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the death of a 20-year-old Nepali student at KIIT University and extended condolences. They affirmed commitment to international students' safety. The Odisha government arrested the accused and formed a committee to ensure justice and safety for Nepali students.
Nepalese girl death: KIIT founder Samanta appear before Odisha govt panel
Bhubaneswar: Senior officials of Odisha-based Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), including its founder Achyuta Samanta, Friday appeared before the state governments high-level committee investigating the alleged suicide of a Nepalese engineering student and subsequent attack on students from the neighbouring country. Former BJD MP Samanta arrived at the state guest house ahead of his []
Watch: Man jumps from third floor to escape police; what happens next will shock you!
A shocking video that has gone viral on social media captures a man attempting to evade the police by jumping from the third floor of a building. At the beginning of the clip, the man can be seen standing on the terrace of the three-story building, trying to escape the police. He first waves a []
Adani issue a national concern, not a personal matter: Rahul Gandhi
Rae Bareli: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks during his US visit on the controversy involving the Adani Group, saying it was not a personal matter but one about the country. Gandhi made the remarks while addressing youths at an event in []
Honey badger rescued from abandoned well in Gajapati
National Embroidery month: Celebrating the rare traditional embroideries of India!
The delicate embroideries of India have a history to behold, that tells the centuries old stories of varied artistry and craftsmanship depicting the rich and diverse cultures of India. Some of these are the rarest of the rare, having lost their significance and are hidden somewhere in the weaving looms or in the corners of the subcontinent. As we come to an end to the National Embroidery month, it is time that we recognize the talent of the craftsmen who create and art through a thread and needle in hand. Let us take you to an embroidery journey from the North to the South of India, exploring some of the rare and the most traditional embroideries of India: Crewel Embroidery (Kashmir) The Crewel embroidery has been in existence since the 11 th century, being an indigenous craft of Kashmir. The art form in its prime was once admired by the Mughal Emperors as well as the Queen Elizabeth of England. Crewelwork is a kind of free surface embroidery crafted on wool, with no particular style of patterns. Earlier, the embroidery was done on linen twill, but now silk, cotton velvet, silk organza are also used. Now the embroidery is done on cushions, curtains and other home dcor items. Chamba Rumal Embroidery (Himachal Pradesh) The royal women of the Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh flourished this traditional embroidery since the 17 th century in princely hill states. It has a distinct style with small rectangles and squares, embroidered with silk threads, thin metal wires or metallic yarn identical on both the sides. It was mostly used in wedding gifts and ceremonial coverings, especially brides dowry. The embroidery often depicted gods and goddesses in its patterns drawn by women and children, later skilled craftsmen. The Chamba embroidery has lost its significance, sacredness and essence, with families keeping the art alive only fir survival. Shamilami Embroidery (Manipur) Shalimali is basically a blend of weaving and embroidery featuring animal designs. It was once considered to be a symbol of high class, that people wore for their recognition of bravery and heroism by the King. The embroidery was adorned on a three paneled traditional shawl for the warriors with some bold tribal motifs that were incorporated as a belief to offer protection in a battle. Similar versions can be observed in Nagaland as well. Khneng Embroidery (Meghalaya) Khneng (meaning border) is a 200-year-old Khasi embroidery that belongs to Mustoh village of Meghalaya. The Khasi community practices the craft, with the designs reflecting their belief and connect to nature. It was inspired by a local insect called Kitiar. Mustoh is the only known village practicing Khneng embroidery, deeply rooted in the culture of Khasis. Khneng is traditionally done on eri silk shawls. Sujini Embroidery (Bihar) Sujini embroidery originated in the 1920s in the Bhunsura village of Bihar originally as a form of quilting. The simple elegant styles on vibrant shades of silk and cotton are known for the kantha running stitch. The motifs featured include geometric shapes and symbols of nature. Sujini embroidery often depicts storytelling by women, about resilience and overcoming hardships. The craft almost became extinct and was revived in 1988. It is now protected under the GI Act. Pipli Embroidery (Odisha) The Pipli embroidery has its origins back to 12 th century from the Pipli village of Odisha. Bright patterned fabric pieces are stitched together on a plain cloth, mostly velvet. Mirror and lacework is also done, along with stitching of patterns. Based on the patchwork it began to be known as Chandua. Originally, pipli work began to be done in the Jagannath Puri culture during the Rath Yatra, the designs reflected the same. And nowadays, Pipli embroidery can be found in home dcor items. Rabari Embroidery (Gujarat) Rabari embroidery is practiced by the nomadic Rabari or Rewari community of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The colorful, vibrant and vivid patterns of Rabari very much reflect upon the women who make it. Traditionally, the designs, motifs and patterns depicted upon the mythological and historical events of the past. Mirrors of all shapes and sizes are also added to the embroidery, for the belief that it will protect from evil spirits. Gujarat is also home to another traditional embroidery, the Karchobi embroidery which was introduced in the 17 th century. It is a type of Mochi embroidery that belongs to the Kutch region. Karchobi embroidery could be observed on bridal outfits, temple chariots and tent hangings. Kasuti Embroidery (Karnataka) Kasuti translates to Kai, meaning hand and suti which is weave or wrap. The embroidery has its origin back to the Chalukya rule from the 6 th to 12 th century in North Karnataka. In Kasuti embroidery, there is a single thread which involves the counting of each thread on the cloth. Both sides of the cloth look identical, as the stitching of the patterns is without any knots. It was inspired by the local rangoli patterns, with those of a chariot, palanquin, lamps began to be formed through stiches like Gavanti, Murgi, Negi among others. Toda Embroidery (Tamil Nadu) The name of the embroidery is derived from the tribe that embroiders it, the Toda or Todu community of Nilgiris. You can witness sacred red and black patterns on shawls called poothkuli. Designs made by them reflect on their ancestors tattoos that are believed to guide spirits to the afterlife. Practiced by women, the embroidery has its own unique style called pugur, which means flower. The designs also stylize sun, moon, stars and the eyes of peacock feathers. The rarest embroidered threads are the most delicate and fragile. In the modern era, the traditional embroideries need to be cherished and appreciated a lot more. Also, it is time to preserve the craft and its craftsmanship for the coming generations, so that the legacy and tradition continues aheadbefore they turn into absolute oblivion.
Girls death, mistreatment to Nepalese students at KIIT rocks Odisha Assembly
Bhubaneswar: Cutting across party lines, members of the Odisha Assembly Friday condemned the mistreatment of Nepalese students following the death of a girl on KIIT campus, while the Opposition BJD and Congress staged a walkout from the House, demanding a judicial probe into the incident. The issue related to the alleged suicide of a 20-year-old []
Class X student dies just before board exam in Odisha
Balasore: A class 10 student, who fell ill three days ago after consuming food at a community feast in Odishas Balasore district, died hours before his board examination Friday, police said. The deceased has been identified as Chandra Sekhar Majhi (15) from Baripada village under Bahanaga block. According to police sources, Chandra Sekhar fell ill []
SC asks Maharashtra, Assam to reply on YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani plea
New Delhi: Supreme Court Friday sought responses from the Maharashtra and Assam governments on YouTuber Ashish Chanchlanis plea seeking to quash or transfer to Mumbai an FIR filed over the alleged obscene utterances made during an episode of Indias Got Latent show aired recently. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh issued []
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi discussed developments in Sino-India ties, management of peace and tranquillity along border areas, and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumption, during their meeting in South Africa, the MEA said Friday. The two ministers met on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in []
Stock markets fall for 4th day on FII outflows, Sensex sheds 425 pts
Mumbai: Falling for the fourth straight day, benchmark Sensex declined by nearly 425 points Friday due to selling in auto, pharma and banking shares and relentless foreign fund outflows. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex dropped 424.90 points or 0.56 per cent to settle at 75,311.06. During the day, it tanked 623.55 points or 0.82 per []
Congress demands action from BJP govt over reports of missing of women, children in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The Congress Friday slammed the NDA government at the Centre and the BJP dispensation in Odisha over reports of missing more than 36,000 women and 8,400 children in the state. Addressing media persons here, newly appointed AICC in-charge of Odisha Ajay Kumar Lallu asked why human trafficking is rampant in the state. As per []
Operation launched to protect Olive Ridley turtles along Odisha coast
Kendrapara: The Coast GuardThursday said it has launched the annual operation to ensure the safe mid-sea sojourn of breeding Olive Ridley sea turtles and mass nesting of these delicate marine species in Odisha. The Olive Ridley turtles turn up in millions for mass nesting along the Odisha coast every year between February and March. Quoting []
Ambani, Musk, Sundar Pichai set up stalls at Mahakumbh! Watch viral AI-generated video
In the era of AI-generated videos, social media users are pushing creative boundaries, producing content that garners massive engagement. A recent viral video imagines business moguls like Mukesh Ambani, Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Sundar Pichai opening stalls at the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Uttar Pradesh, leaving the internet amused. A user on X []
China issued disconcerting warning of live-fire exercises to planes flying above: Australia
MELBOURNE, Feb 21: Airliners were over the Tasman Sea crossing between Australia and New Zealand when the Chinese navy warned they were flying over a secret live-fire exercise, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Friday. Regulator Airservices Australia warned commercial pilots of a potential hazard in airspace between the countries as three Chinese warships conducted exercises off the Australian east coast. But Marles said Australian authorities only learned about Chinas live-firing plans in international waters midway between Australia [] The post China issued disconcerting warning of live-fire exercises to planes flying above: Australia appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Mumbai: Hindi film actress Preity Zinta recently responded to trolls questioning her marriage to Gene Goodenough by quoting Shah Rukh Khans iconic dialogue from their film Veer Zara. While addressing the trolls questioning her opinions and decision to marry Gene Goodenough, the Soldieractress shared an iconic SRK dialogue: Kabhi bhi ek dost ki zarurat pade []
Sonakshi gives a sneak peek into Ayaan Agnihotris album launch event
Mumbai: Hindi film industry actress Sonakshi Sinha recently shared glimpses from the album launch event of Salman Khans nephew, Ayaan Agnihotri. The launch event, held in Dubai to celebrate Ayaans musical debut, saw several notable faces from the industry in attendance, including Sonakshi herself, who took to social media to share her excitement. On her []
India vs Pakistan: IIT Babas shocking prediction ahead of Champions Trophy clash
As excitement peaks for the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, an unexpected prediction has taken the internet by storm. Abhey Singh, popularly known as IIT Baba, has declared that India will not win the high-stakes match, sending social media into a frenzy. During the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, IIT Baba []
Trump calls $21 million US funding to India for voter turnout kickback scheme
New York: US President Donald Trump has claimed that the USD 21 million funding to India for voter turnout was a kickback scheme, as he continued to attack the previous Biden administration over the now cancelled financial aid. Trump made these remarks while speaking at the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington DC Thursday. USD []
Digital snan: Man dips photos in Sangam water at Mahakumbh for Rs 1100, internet reacts
As many desire to take a holy dip at Sangam during Mahakumbh, a local man has started his business in this domain, providing his services in the form of digital snan. According to his business pitch, he collects photographs of devotees sent via WhatsApp and immerses them at the Sangam. He charges Rs 1100 for []
Delhi-Kolkata Highway blocked as Bihar villagers protest teens killing
Patna: A day after a class 10 student was gunned down and another injured in Bihars Rohtas district, hundreds of villagers Friday blocked the Delhi-Kolkata National Highway (NH) at Dehri, demanding swift justice. The murder of 14-year-old Amit Kumar, who was returning home after his board exams, has led to outrage among locals, who are []
Rakhi Sawant faces cyber cell summons amid Ranveer Allahbadias row
Mumbai: Amid widespread controversy over podcaster Ranveer Allahbadias remarks on Indias Got Talent, TV personality Rakhi Sawant has been summoned by the Maharashtra Cyber Police. The actress-dancer is asked to appear on February 24 to record her statements. Last year in October, Sawant appeared on Samay Rainas show Indias Got Latent, where she had a []
Ten held in connection with attack over Congress MP, confirms Assam CM
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Friday that ten persons have been arrested in connection with the attack on Congress MP Rakibul Hussain. Taking to social media platform X, CM Sarma said, The police have identified the individuals involved in the alleged incident of assault on Congress MP Sri Rakibul Hussain. He also []
Vicky Kaushals house help wards off evil eye after watching Chhaava
Mumbai: Actor Vicky Kaushal recently shared a heartwarming moment of his house help, Asha Tai performing the traditional Nazar Utarna ritual after watching his latest film, Chhaava. The actor took to his Instagram to reveal how Asha Tai, who has been with him throughout his journey, showed her love and care by insisting on performing []
People here choose to live with dolls rather than spouses or partners
Japan is known worldwide as a leader in technological advancements, often hailed as the birthplace of the bullet train. However, not everything is as perfect as it seems. The saying All that glitters is not gold holds true for Japan, as despite its rapid technological growth, many people in the country are struggling emotionally and []
BJD, Congress Walk Out Of Odisha Assembly As Tensions Flare Over KIIT Suicide Row
The unrest in KIIT began after the alleged suicide of 20-year-old Nepalese student Prakriti Lamsal. Authorities suspended over 1,000 Nepalese students after they staged agitation and demanded justice.
BHUBANSWAR: The opposition BJD and Congress on Friday staged a walkout in the Odisha Assembly expressing dissatisfaction with the state Higher Education minister Suryabanshi Suraj's reply to the debate on the KIIT issue. Members cutting across party lines expressed disappointment with what happened at KIIT after the death of a Nepalese student in her hostel room. The BJD and Congress demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter but the state government did not respond to their request. The minister said law will take its course and whoever is guilty will be punished. The unrest in KIIT began after the alleged suicide of 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal, a student from Nepal, on Sunday afternoon. Other Nepalese students staged agitation and demanded justice. However, the KIIT authorities issued suspension notices to about 1,000 Nepalese students and asked them to leave the campus on Monday. Nepali students asked to vacate KIIT University campus after girl's suicide sparks tension Following the intervention of the Centre and the state government, the KIIT authorities had tendered an apology and requested the Nepalese students to return to the campus. The state government has opened a round-the-clock help desk, to facilitate the Nepalese students' safe return. The police have registered two cases in connection with the alleged suicide of the Nepalese student and the subsequent attacks on the youths from the neighbouring country allegedly by the staffers of KIIT.
Security Forces Crack Down On Manipur Insurgents, Arrest 17 In 24 Hours OdishaBytes
Security Forces Crack Down On Manipur Insurgents, Arrest 17 In 24 HoursOdishaBytes
11 students on way to examination centre injured as vehicle overturns
BHUBANESWAR: At least 11 students heading for the matriculation (Class 10) examination in Odisha's Kendrapara district were injured as their vehicle hit a cyclist and fell into a roadside canal on Friday, police said. The cyclist was killed in the accident, the police said. The students of Vivekananda High School in the Baghamari area were on their way to appear in the class 10 examination at Naga Narayan High School in Khamara Sahi when their speeding vehicle hit the cyclist and then fell into a roadside canal. The injured students were rushed to Talchua Hospital for treatment. Some of the students with minor injuries appeared in the examination, police said. The annual high school examination or matriculation examination conducted by the Board of Secondary Education started in Odisha on Friday.
NGT seeks ORSAC report on illegal mining in Nischinta hill
CUTTACK: A joint committee of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has confirmed illegal extraction of stone at Nischinta hill in Dehenkanal districts Gondia tehsil without obtaining Environmental Clearance (EC), Consent to Operate (CTO) and blasting licence, etc. However, the quantum of mineral excavated from the hill could not be assessed due to non-availability of Orissa Remote Sensing Application Centre (ORSAC)-empanelled agency with scientific instruments during inspection, the committee said in an interim report which was placed before NGTs East Zone Bench on February 17. Taking note of it, the bench of Justice B Amit Sthalekar (Judicial Member) and Dr Arun Kumar Verma (Expert Member) directed the state government to file the report of the ORSAC with regard to the quantum of excavation so that if illegal excavation is found to have been carried out by the stone crushers, appropriate action as per law may be taken against them. The bench has scheduled March 18 for next hearing. The tribunal had formed the joint committee to ascertain the veracity of allegations of illegal operations by the mining mafia who had already excavated more than 20,000 tonnes of stone by blasting and using heavy machines. The allegations were made in a petition filed by Talcher-based United Youth for Sustainable Environment Trust. Advocates Sankar Prasad Pani and Ashutosh Padhy represented the Trust. The joint committee visited the area in November last year and observed that the extraction of stone had been done at the Nischinta hill which is located along the common boundary of Dhenkanal and Jajpur districts. It recommended the Forest department to assess the quantum of deforestation caused by the stone quarries, and district administrations of Dhenkanal and Jajpur to demarcate the district boundary by posting pillar so that quantum of mineral excavated in their respective revenue districts can be assessed and environmental compensation can be computed thereafter.
45K Sishu Vatikas to be opened in Odishas primary schools from this academic year
BHUBANESWAR: To strengthen pre-school education in the state, the Odisha government has decided to open over 45,000 pre-primary classes called Sishu Vatikas at all government-run primary schools in the new academic year of 2025-26. This will mark the launch of National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 at school level in the state. Officials of the School and Mass Education department said while children in the age group of five to six years will be admitted to the Sishu Vatikas, those aged three to five years will continue their education in anganwadi centres, as per existing practice. There are 45,042 government schools with primary grades in the state. According to the UIDSE+ report 2023-24 of the Ministry of Education, of these 45,042 schools, 21,124 have anganwadi centres on their campuses and only 759 schools have pre-primary sections. Also, 602 government schools have both anganwadi centres and pre-primary sections. Similarly, there are 18.08 lakh children in the three to six years age group in around 71,000 anganwadi centres. The existing teachers and infrastructure in primary schools will be used to operationalise Sishu Vatikas in the new session. Officials said SCERT and OSEPA in collaboration with the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Bhubaneswar are training primary school teachers to impart pre-school education to children in the age group of five to six years in Sishu Vatika classes. SCERT and OSEPA will also help the School and Mass Education department in development of teaching materials for teachers and workbooks for the preschoolers. Sources said subsequently, plans will be drawn to provide additional infrastructure and manpower in primary schools in a phased manner over the coming four years, by provisioning the same through Samagra Sikshya and state budget. Sishu Vatika is the regional adaptation of the Education Ministrys Bal Vatika concept. While the existing education system has two years of pre-schooling, the NEP-2020 mandates three years of pre-school. On Monday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi proposed a budget of `31,000 crore for school education, a majority of which will be used for implementation of NEP at school level.
NHRC demands report on unconsented vasectomy of disabled tribal youth
BHUBANESWAR: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the state government to submit a detailed report on steps taken for recanalisation of non-surgical vasectomy (NSV) of a differently-abled tribal youth from Malkangiri district. The apex human rights panel has asked the secretary of Health and Family Welfare department to inform the commission whether the recanalisation of NSV has been done after obtaining voluntary consent from the victim and by following due procedure, within six weeks. On August 3, 2023, staff of Mathili sub-divisional hospital in Malkangiri district had allegedly conducted vasectomy on the differently-abled tribal unmarried youth without taking his consent. He was among five persons from Ambaguda and nearby villages who underwent the procedure that day. A group of social activists brought it to the notice of the CDMO alleging the local health staff did so to meet their target of family planning operations. The youth was taken to the hospital on the pretext of regular health check up. Stating the family planning surgery was conducted in violation of the government guideline and protocol, Supreme Court lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy had filed a petition in the NHRC seeking justice for the victim. Pursuant to the directions of the NHRC, the surgeon had also admitted his negligence and suggested the recanalisation of the no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) was needed to be done after obtaining consent from the client. Subsequently, the commission had ordered the state government to pay a compensation of `1 lakh to the victim and submit a compliance report. Meanwhile, collector of Malkangiri district has submitted his report stating compensation has been paid to the victim. The government has also taken action against the erring staff.
Odisha planning 32 dams on Mahanadi river: Minister Mukesh
BHUBANESWAR: The state government is preparing a master plan for construction of dams and barrages on the upper and lower catchments of Mahanadi river for sustainable water conservation and development in the interest of Odisha, Parliamentary Affairs minister Mukesh Mahaling said on Thursday. Replying to a question from Prasanna Acharya (BJD) on behalf of chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Mahaling said in the Assembly that 32 big, medium and small dams along with 27 barrages are being planned for the Mahanadi river at different places in the state. Besides, there are proposals for construction of 72 in-stream storage (ISS) structures for water conservation. Stating that it is a long-term plan, the minister said around Rs 51,000 crore will be spent by the government during the next five years. Work on the detailed project report will start soon, he said. Responding to Acharyas allegation that the BJP government has cancelled tenders floated by the previous government for construction of ISSs, the minister said he will look into the matter. Acharya also said the Chhattisgarh government has constructed 8-9 barrages on the upper basin area of Mahanadi due to which water flow in the river at the starting point in Odisha has reduced drastically. There were several questions relating to Mahanadi river and Hirakud dam. In a written reply to a question from Ranendra Pratap Swain (BJD), the chief minister stated, Due to excess unplanned use of Mahanadi water in the upstream catchment of Mahanadi basin by Chhattisgarh, flow of water to the downstream of Odisha is gradually reducing as observed at Hirakud dam site located near the interstate border of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. The state has raised the issue before the Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal and filed its claims through a number of pleadings. The matter is now sub-judice.
Married woman dies of shock after being caught with paramour in Odisha
MALKANGIRI: A married woman reportedly died of shock after villagers caught her with her paramour at Gumka village within Kalimela police limits on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Singe Madkami (30). Police have detained the womans paramour, Muka Podiami of Pulimetla village. Kalimela sub-inspector Drona Sunani said Singes husband works in Andhra Pradesh. The woman was alone in her house when Muka went to meet her on Wednesday afternoon. Some villagers spotted Muka entering Singes house. Suspecting the duo of having an illicit affair, they broke into the house and found them in a compromising position. While villagers caught Muka and assaulted him, Singe was later found dead. Sunani said no injury mark was found on the deceaseds body. She might have died due to shock as villagers found the duo in a compromising position. A relative of the deceased woman lodged a complaint with police accusing Muka of raping and murdering Singe. Basing on the complaint, police detained the accused and are interrogating him. The police officer further said a scientific team visited the womans house for investigation. Singes body was seized and sent to the local hospital for postmortem. The exact cause of her death will be ascertained after the autopsy report arrives. Further investigation is underway, he added.
Residents on foothills of Similipal await road, drinking water
BARIPADA: With the summer drawing close, residents of two villages on the foothills of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Baripada district have already started facing water shortage issues. Residents of the villages, Govindpur and Lulung under Shyamakhunta block, are forced to fetch water from streams flowing through the foothills of the STR, as water from tube wells is contaminated with a reddish hue, allegedly due to faulty boring or a depleted groundwater level. About 1,400 people reside in Ward 5 and 6 of Govindpur village and 319 people reside in Lulung village. However, the villagers are yet to get basic facilities, including drinking water and road connectivity. Despite frequent requests to the block development officer of Shyamakhunta and district administration, no effort was so far made to address their two major issues, they said. Residents of Lulung village claimed that though a tube-well was installed there, it pumps out red-coloured water, making it unfit for use. Similarly, two tube-wells in two wards of Govindpur also pump red-coloured water, residents alleged. They claimed that although they informed the block authorities about the issue, it is yet to be resolved. In fact, a hydram project was built in the village by Baripada minor irrigation department to meet water needs. However, it has remained defunct for the past 10 years. Residents claimed that the dam was not properly maintained by the authorities. Apart from water shortage issues, the road to Lulung village is in such a bad condition that it is difficult for even ambulance to reach the village in case of emergency. Last year, the forest department had repaired the road before the Similipal Tiger Reserve opened for tourists, but it has since deteriorated again, residents claimed. They added that no special funds have been allocated for the construction of the road so far. Block development officer Muna Sethy stated that the forest department has taken over the road construction project. He further assured that the water crisis in the villages would be resolved by March.
Israeli Defence Minister orders intensified raids in West Bank after bus explosions
Jerusalem: Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to escalate raids in refugee camps in the occupied West Bank following a series of bus explosions, which he said were a terror attack. In light of the serious attempted attacks in the Gush Dan (central) area by Palestinian terrorist organisations against the civilian population []
Remains of two child hostages identified, but 3rd body sent by Hamas not of their mother: Israel
Jerusalem: The Israeli military said Friday that the remains of two child hostages have been identified but another body released by Hamas was not the boys mother. One of the four bodies returned from Gaza was not that of hostage Shiri Bibas, contradicting claims made by the terrorist group Hamas, the IDF said. The remains []
Jeypore police arrests gang involved in series of thefts
JEYPORE: Four burglars, including a minor, were arrested on Thursday for their alleged involvement in six incidents of theft during the last two weeks. The accused are Bijaya Beniya, Kanhu Muduli, G Satyanarayan Patra, and the minor from Hatapada. The gang reportedly targeted several businesses and committed burglaries across different locations in Jeypore town. One theft took place at a tractor company in Hatapada, where the gang broke in, and stole Rs 2.5 lakh in cash. In another, the gang stole a mobile, a printer, and a cash counting machine from a marble showroom of Hatapada. They were also involved in the theft of Rs 92,000 worth of chocolates from a store on NKT Road. Additionally, the gang stole 31 smart watches from a Yamaha showroom in Bariniput area and a home theatre system from a shop on Bypass Road. Koraput SP Rohit Verma said, CCTV footage from multiple locations throughout the town helped capture the gang.
Sarpanch suspended for embezzling Rs 11.72 lakh in panchayat funds
JAJPUR: The sarpanch of Gramnandipur panchayat under Dasarathapur block was placed under suspension on Wednesday for allegedly misappropriating government funds to the tune of over Rs 11.72 lakh. The accused, Sanjukta Mohanty, allegedly siphoned off funds meant for development of the panchayat under different schemes during her previous tenure as sarpanch of Gramnandipur. The funds were sanctioned by the Central Finance Commission (CFC). Sources said when Mohanty was the sarpanch from 2012 to 2017, the CFC provided around Rs 12 lakh for carrying out poverty alleviation programmes in the panchayat. However, she allegedly transferred Rs 11.72 lakh from the fund to her husbands bank account and prepared fake utilisation papers with the assistance of the then panchayat executive officer. The embezzlement was detected by Naba Kishore Malik, who was the sarpanch of the panchayat from 2017 to 2022. Subsequently, Mohanty was again elected as sarpanch of Gramnandipur in 2022. In 2024, a social activist reported the matter to the Jajpur collector following which the district panchayat officer was directed to conduct an investigation into the allegation. The inquiry officer found the allegation to be true and on basis of his report, the collector recommended the state government for necessary action. On Wednesday, the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water department placed Mohanty under suspension with immediate effect. The suspension order was issued under section 115 (2) of the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964. Disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against Mohanty under section 115 (1) of the same Act.
Lone accused held for attack on girl of Sambalpur University
SAMBALPUR: Police on Thursday arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly attacking a girl student of Sambalpur University, who was found with severe head injuries in a field near Metakani temple in Burla. The accused is Rakesh Das, a native of Kolkata who is staying at Burla. He was arrested on charges of assaulting Sonalika Naik, a PG final-year student of Library Sciences department at Sambalpur University. Police said Naik used to chat with the accused on phone for the last around two months. On Wednesday evening, Das called her to meet him at a field near Metakani temple. Accordingly, the girl reached the field and waited for the accused. When Das arrived on the spot, he found Naik talking to someone over phone. Suspecting her of talking to some boy, he confronted the girl and asked her to disconnect the call immediately. When Naik refused, the accused flew into a rage, picked up a stone and hit her on the head multiple times before fleeing the spot. The student suffered grievous head injuries and became unconscious. Later, passersby found the girl lying in a pool of blood and informed police. Naik was then rushed to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences And Research (VIMSAR), Burla for treatment. Sambalpur SP Mukesh Bhamoo said on basis of the complaint lodged by the students father, police launched an investigation into the incident. After examining the footage of CCTV cameras installed in the area, the accused was detained. During questioning, Das confessed to his crime following which he was arrested. Das is the lone accused involved in the incident and he committed the crime out of sudden provocation. The stone used in the assault has been seized, said Bhamoo. The accused was produced in court and remanded in judicial custody. Mobile phones of both the accused and the victim besides their earphones have also been seized. Further investigation is underway, said police. Sources said Naik has been shifted to Bhubaneswar and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the state capital. Police are yet to record her statement.
No salary for three months, Odisha school teacher seeks leave to work as labourer
BALANGIR/BHUBANESWAR : A government school teacher of Balangir, who reportedly hasnt received salary for the last three months, sought leave to work as a labourer on Thursday. Prabhudatta Sahoo, a teacher in Government Primary School at Bandhanbahal village in Puintala block of the district, applied for a one-day leave to work as a labourer and earn wages claiming that he has not received his salary for the last three months. In his leave application to the headmaster of the school, the teacher said due to non-payment of salary, he is facing severe financial constraints and has no other option but to work as a daily labourer to support his family. His leave was reportedly granted by the headmaster. While both the teacher and the headmaster of the school could not be contacted, district education officer Pradeep Nag said Sahoos salary is pending for two months and not three. Sahoo belongs to Odisha State Assistant Teachers cadre (ex-cadre). Salaries of such teachers were delayed for two months due to technical snags in digiGOV website which is used to process the ex-cadre teachers salaries. This problem is not limited to Sahoo alone. Teachers of ex-cadre throughout the state faced salary delays. We have already cleared the salary for December which they can draw from Friday onwards. The rest amount will be processed soon, Nag added.
I was fortunate to participate in the recent AI Action Summit in Paris, where many discussions emphasized the need to steer AI in a more socially beneficial direction. At a time of increasingly loud calls for AI acceleration from Silicon Valley and now from the US government the opportunity to focus on what []
Botched extortion plot: Seven held for businessman, maid murders
ROURKELA: Police on Thursday arrested seven persons including a woman for the murders of Rourkela-based businessman Binod Daruka (64) and his female office help P Deepa (34), which were committed over a botched extortion plot. Deepas younger sister Radha Swain (30) masterminded the kidnap for ransom plan. She and her accomplices, Manoj Das (20), Yuvraj Paswan (21), Sheikh Asif (22), Suraj Singh (22), Bhabesh Raj Choudhury (20) and Sambhu Mahato (42), had to commit the twin murders after their plan went awry, said police. Briefing the media, DIG (Western Range) Brijesh Rai flanked by Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani and his Sundargarh counterpart Pratyush Diwakar said Deepas half-burnt body with her throat slit was recovered from near Dhantawary overbridge along NH-143 within Chandiposh police limits on February 12. Similarly on February 15 morning, Darukas body was recovered from along Tunmura village road within Kutra police limits. On February 16, police identified both the bodies and launched a joint investigation to establish link in the two murders, he said. Deepa was working for Daruka for the last seven years and both were reportedly having an affair. Aware of their relationship, Radha was hatching a conspiracy for the last eight months to kidnap Daruka and extort money from him. She also owed around `10 lakh to Daruka and was even using the businessmans multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) Innova. Rai said as Deepa was proving to be an obstacle in her plan, Radha and her accomplices kidnapped her on February 11 after giving her some sedative in the MPV. However, their plan went awry when Deepa resisted. In a sudden change of plan, Deepas throat was slit inside the vehicle on Radhas instruction and her body dumped in a hurry. Daruka inquired about the whereabouts of Deepa with her sister and mother but got no specific information. The DIG said Radha lied to Daruka that Deepa had gone to the nearby Kuanrmunda block and offered to search for her together. Both of them reached Kuanrmunda in Darukas SUV where Daruka was kidnapped at gunpoint by Radhas aides. The accused asked Daruka to immediately arrange a hefty ransom. When it appeared that the ransom money could not be arranged in such short notice, they panicked and Daruka was shot in the head. The businessmans body was carried in his SUV and dumped near Tunmura village of Kutra. The vehicle was abandoned at a nearby place, Rai said. Wadhwani and Diwakar said a sharp weapon and a knife, mobile phones of the two deceased and Radha, besides the masterminds multiple SIM cards were recovered from Brahmani river and DAV pond. Two separate cases have been registered in this connection and the accused were produced in court.
Robbers loot Rs 20 lakh from SBI at gunpoint in Odisha
BARIPADA: In a daring heist, five robbers struck the State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Mayurbhanjs Bahalda and looted Rs 20 lakh at gunpoint after assaulting the bank staff on Thursday morning. The branch manager and staff suffered injuries when they tried to offer resistance. They were later hospitalised. The robbery took place around 10 am, a little after the bank had opened for the days operation. In the next 30 minutes time, the criminals had completed the robbery and fled before police could even get a whiff of the incident. According to Bahalda police, the five entered the bank just after it opened for the day. All of the robbers had their helmets on and they behaved like customers so as not to arouse suspicion. There were about 18 to 20 persons inside the bank at that time. While one of the five robbers approached the branch manager, another associate reached the cash counter even as the rest circulated in the branch. The robber who had approached the branch manager pulled out a pistol from his pocket and pointed at the officer. The second associate followed suit and asked the cashier to take out all the cash. Police said the cashier had no other option but to present all the cash available at the teller counter as well as in the cash chamber. The rest three associates warned the customers present in the branch not to raise any alarm. Within the next half an hour, the five who conversed in Hindi completed the loot. However, when the branch manager and a staff protested, the gang attacked them. After collecting the cash, the five escaped from the area. There was no security guard present at the branch when the incident took place. Inspector in-charge of Bahalda police station Jagannath Munda said, the branch had carried out transactions to the tune of Rs 7 lakh when the robbery took place and in total, Rs 20 lakh was robbed. The criminals are believed to have headed towards neighbouring Jharkhand.
Silk City storm water drainage in bad shape
Berhampur: Storm water management continues to be a major issue in the Silk City here as the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) authorities are yet to find out a permanent solution to waterlogging that grips almost every ward during monsoon. Last year, the civic bodys Sanitation department directed agencies responsible for desilting the drains to act []
Mineral theft from abandoned crusher unit busted in Joda
Joda: Large-scale theft of minerals has been detected from an abandoned crusher unit near Behera hutting on the outskirts of this town in Keonjhar district. The matter came to the fore after the Mines department and Joda police recently conducted a joint raid and seized a vehicle that was illegally transporting minerals. Officials said that []
Doctor invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan for her heroic act
Baripada: A lady doctor, having set an inspiring example for others by showing immense courage in the face of a fire mishap and saving the lives of a woman and her newborn child at Pandit Raghunath Murmu (PRM) Medical College and Hospital here, has received an invitation from the Rashtrapati Bhavan in appreciation for her []
SU student critical in brutal attack; male friend arrested
Sambalpur: A female post graduate (PG) student of Sambalpur University was left critically injured after being hit with a brick on head by her male friend here Wednesday night. The woman was rescued in a pool of blood along the VIP Road Wednesday night. The incident occurred near the VIP Road connecting the varsity and []
AAI to conduct OLS survey soon at Rourkela Airport
Rourkela: Significant progress has been made regarding Rourkela Airport, with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) set to conduct a crucial Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey. The AAI has requested the state government to deposit Rs 48,48,620 for the purpose. This survey is vital as it assesses various factors such as nearby hills, high tension []
