Odisha clerk amasses property 201% excess of his income

The government employee is in possession of 19 high-valued plots and building in and around Cuttack

Cabinet expansions in Chhattisgarh, Goa fuel buzz in other BJP states

Recent cabinet expansions in Chhattisgarh and Goa have fueled expectations in other BJP-ruled states like Rajasthan, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. These states are now contemplating similar expansions to broaden representation and fill vacant positions. Discussions are underway, with strategic considerations like organizational appointments and new state president selection influencing the timing.

Tragedy: YouTuber Swept Away While Filming at Odisha's Duduma Waterfall

Sudden release of water from Machkund Dam sparks fresh safety concerns at Odishas popular tourist spot

Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Meets BJD Chief Naveen Patnaik After His Return From Hospital

Since his return to Naveen Niwas, Patnaik has been receiving a steady stream of visitors cutting across political lines: Reports

Mindtree co-founder Subroto Bagchi, who has donated hundreds of crores, could not go to school till he was 8, grew up in a place without electricity, no tap water

Subroto Bagchi, a co-founder of Mindtree, overcame a childhood lacking basic amenities in rural Odisha to become a titan in the IT industry. His upbringing, marked by his parents' strong values of integrity and respect, shaped his leadership. Bagchi's journey exemplifies how ethical grounding and humility can drive success, building a billion-dollar enterprise.

NMC yet to release disability SOP

NEW DELHI: The NEET-PG counselling is slated to begin in September; however, the National Medical Commission (NMC) is yet to release the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for postgraduate admission guidelines for doctors with disabilities Taking up their cause, the largest organisation of health professionals with disabilities in India has written to the NMC to immediately announce the revised admission guidelines, failing which would amount to contempt of Supreme Court. Apart from the guidelines, Doctors with Disabilities: Agents of Change, a pan-India group of health professionals with disabilities, have also demanded to expand the number of NMC-designated assessment centres and training schedule of all 16 medical boards and to publish the names of doctors with disabilities who will be appointed to these boards. The demand comes after National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) declared the NEET-PG 2025 result on August 19. But, the revised admission guidelines for NEET-PG students with disability were not announced. While the NMC expert committee, comprising Dr Vijay Oza, President, Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of NMC, discussed coming up with an inclusive guidelines for PG and super-speciality courses for students with disabilities on February 24, no such announcement has come. Speaking with this newspaper, Dr Satendra Singh, the founder of the doctors collective, said, We are witnessing the continued medicalisation and harassment of candidates with disabilities in the ongoing NEET-UG counselling. The same is bound to repeat in NEET-PG counselling, as the revised guidelines are still not out, leaving in place the discredited practice of numerical percentages of disability-something the Supreme Court has already struck down. This newspaper was the first to flag the absence of revised admission guidelines for NEET-UG students with disabilities on July 18. The NMC finally announced the revised guidelines two days before the counselling was set to begin on July 21. However, an SOP for PG admission is still awaited. They are also yet to announce a separate direction to include doctors with disabilities in the assessment board and increase the number of centres in all states as mandated by the Supreme Court. Dr Singh, who has written to the NMC, said the Commission should release inclusive guidelines/SOP for PG training of doctors with disabilities, in full compliance with the apex court, before the commencement of NEET-PG counselling. In the absence of these SOPs, doctors with dyslexia will be forced to undergo learning disability tests designed for children, as was applied by the medical board last year. Moreover, the assessment must shift from the numerical percentage-based criteria to a functional competency test as directed by Supreme Court, he said in his letter to Dr Oza, and the Director General of Health Services under Union health ministry. The letter also said the Commission should expand the number of designated assessment centres for doctors with disabilities before NEET PG counselling, ensuring at least one board in each State/UT. It also pointed out the inadequate number of centres across India. There are only 16 centres in 11 states. The letter pointed out that during the ongoing MBBS-UG counselling, candidates with disabilities witnessed harassment, such as those from Odisha, being forced to travel all the way to New Delhi for assessment. The letter also said the NMC should release the training schedule for all 16 medical boards, which will be conducted by doctors with disabilities before NEET PG counselling, as per SC directions. Medical boards should have doctors with disability The doctors body urged the NMC to publish the names of doctors with disabilities appointed to the medical boards at all 16 designated centres, as mandated by the Supreme Court, ahead of the NEET-PG counselling. The NMC must issue binding directions to all medical colleges to operationalise and disclose details of Enabling Units, accessible infrastructure, reasonable accommodations, and the Equal Opportunity Policy on their official websites, the letter added.

Locked Inside Odisha School, Class 2 Girl Spends Night With Head Stuck In Window Grills

The School and Mass Education Department said the child was now fine and receiving medical attention

4 Detained With Ganja Worth Rs 22.75 lakh

The consignment was intercepted while being transported from Odisha to Pune in Maharashtra.

KIWSF: Mohsin Ali wins first gold medal in mens 1000m kayaking

The first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) began on a high note in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, with 17-year-old local shikarawalla Mohsin Ali winning the first gold medal yesterday. Mohsin, who rows shikaras on Dal Lake, won the mens 1000m kayaking race in 4:12.41, beating competitors from Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. In other events, []

Ravina sets meet record; TN women, Odisha men relay teams rewrite marks

Tejas clinches the mens 110m hurdles gold; Karthik stuns favourites Aboobacker and Praveen to win the triple jump event on a rain-affected day

Trying to escape locked classroom, Odisha girl survives night stuck in window

Teachers and students had hurriedly locked the classrooms and left the premisesunaware the girl was still inside, fast asleep.

Jharkhand braces for heavy rainfall over next three days

RANCHI: In yet another weather alert issued by the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, heavy to very heavy rainfall has been predicted in several parts of Jharkhand over the next three days, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. According to the Head of the Meteorological Centre in Ranchi, Abhishek Anand, It will continue to rain in Jharkhand till 23, 24 and 25 August; some districts will receive heavy to very heavy rain, while some districts will receive heavy rain. During this time, an alert has also been issued for thunderstorms and lightning along with rain. According to the forecast, north-western parts of the state are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on 23 August. Isolated heavy showers are also expected over south-western, north-eastern and adjoining central regions, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds. On 24 August, heavy rainfall may occur at isolated places over southern, central and north-eastern parts of the state. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely in several areas. Similarly, on 25 August, western and adjoining central parts of Jharkhand may experience heavy rainfall at isolated places, while thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are expected across the state. According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon trough is currently passing through Jaisalmer, Kota, Datia, Sidhi, Ranchi, Bankura, Digha and extending southeastwards into the east-central Bay of Bengal, up to 1.5 km above mean sea level. An upper air cyclonic circulation persists over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining regions, extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, it said. Another circulation lies over north Odisha and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal at around 5.8 km above mean sea level. The Met office has advised citizens to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours and take precautions against lightning strikes and gusty winds. There is a possibility of heavy rainfall at some places in Palamu, Garhwa, Chatra, Latehar, Ranchi, Bokaro, Gumla, Hazaribagh, Khunti, Ramgarh, Lohardaga, Koderma, Dhanbad, Giridih and Simdega districts on 24 August. IMD has issued a yellow alert for these districts. Meanwhile, in a tragic incident on Thursday, three innocent girls were killed in a lightning strike while returning from school near Ranchi. According to locals, Pari Oraon of Class 1 in Primary School Hondpidi and Anjalika Kujur of Class 3, along with Basmati Oraon of Class 6, were going home during which a lightning strike took place killing all the three on the spot. Jharkhand has so far received 25% excess rain than normal.

Gang from Odisha caught smuggling 91 kg of marijuana

Choice Consultancy bags project mandates worth Rs 140 cr across sectors

MUMBAI, Aug 22:Choice Consultancy Services, a subsidiary of Choice International, on Friday said it has secured project mandates worth around Rs 140 crore across housing, agriculture, MSME, water resource management and urban planning sectors. The new assignments include slum rehabilitation in Mumbai under MHADAs SRA framework, computerisation of 1,625 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies in Odisha, and MSME development programmes in Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, Choice said in a statement. In Rajasthan, the company has been tasked with preparing a [] The post Choice Consultancy bags project mandates worth Rs 140 cr across sectors appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Odisha to appoint 45,000 primary school teachers over next three years

All students studying Class IX and X will be covered by free textbook supply programme, which as of now, was limited to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students only

Isha Gramotsavam 2025 begins in Thiruvananthapuram on August 23

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 17th edition of Isha Gramotsavam, one of the largest rural sports festivals, will kick off in six districts of the state from August 23. Over 700 players from across the state are expected to participate, forming more than 140 teams. Matches will be held in Kasaragod, Kannur, Thrissur, Palakkad, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The festival unfolds in three stages: cluster level, divisional level, and the grand finale. The cluster-level matches will take place on August 23-24 in Thrissurs Varandarappilly and Ernakulams Ambalamugal. Kasaragods Cheruvathur will host matches on August 28-29, followed by Pothencode in Thiruvananthapuram and Vellachal-Makreri in Kannur on August 30-31. Palakkads Ayiloor will host matches on September 1-2. Nationally, Isha Gramotsavam will span over 35,000 villages across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Puducherry, and, Odisha. More than 50,000 rural participants, including over 5,000 women, are competing this year, forming over 6,000 teams. The grand finale will take place before the iconic Adiyogi at the Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, on September 21. Competing teams stand a chance to win from a prize pool of Rs 67 lakh, with Rs 5 lakh each awarded to the winners in both mens and womens categories.

Goat Farming Can Drive Prosperity for Odishas Farmers: Minister

Experts highlighted the potential of goat farming as a driver of income and nutrition security

Chennai Weather: City wakes to heavy showers, IMD rings orange, yellow alerts several districts in Tamil Nadu; check full list

Chennai Weather Forecast: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts for Tamil Nadu and Odisha, forecasting rain, thunderstorms, and lightning. An orange alert is in effect for several districts, while Chennai experienced heavy downpours leading to waterlogging. Residents are urged to stay cautious as moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to continue in the coming days.

Odisha to Merge BSE, CHSE; Free Textbooks for Class IX and X Students

The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of mother tongue-based education for tribal students to improve learning outcomes

Khelo India Water Sports Festival commences at Dal Lake with 400 athletes

The Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) has begun at Dal Lake, featuring over 400 athletes from 36 states and union territories. Competitors will vie for 24 gold medals in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. The event includes demonstration events like water skiing and dragon boat races. Athletes from Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala are expected to be strong contenders.

BJD knocks door of MoTA over Polavaram project potentially threatening tribals in Odisha

Party leaders had already apprised their concerns to Union Minister Jal Shakti C.R. Patil and chairman of the Central Water Commission in New Delhi

Odisha Hosts Global Workshop On Human-elephant Coexistence

CM Majhi urges collective action

Odisha man booked for cooking monitor lizard and posting video on social media

Rupa Nayak, a youtuber from Odisha, has been arrested. He allegedly uploaded a video of himself cooking a monitor lizard. Monitor lizards are protected under Indian law. The Forest Department took notice after the video went viral on social media. Nayak admitted to the act during interrogation. He faces charges under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Shipping ministry moves to launch 25,000-cr Maritime Development Fund, 25,000-cr ship building clusters in 36 months

In both projects, financing is to be spread with a five-year time frame; Odisha and Gujarat likely locations for ship building clusters

RailTel secures 50.42 crore contract from Kerala and Odisha

The larger contract, worth 34.99 crore excluding taxes, comes from the Kerala State Information Technology Mission for the operation and maintenance of State Data Centres

India tests Agni-5 missile with 5,000 km range: Here's all about the nuclear-capable missile that can cover Turkey to China

India has tested Agni-5 missile. The missile was launched from Odisha. It can strike targets up to 5,000 km away. This strengthens India's military power. Agni-5 can reach almost all of Asia and parts of Europe. India recently tested Pralay, Prithvi-II, and Agni-I missiles. These tests show India's commitment to its defense. The tests enhance India's strategic capabilities.

Postmen to sell mutual funds? 1 lakh India Post staff to undergo MF distributor training by AMFI

AMFI is collaborating with India Post to train one lakh postmen as mutual fund distributors, aiming to double the investor base. The initiative will initially focus on Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Meghalaya, targeting 20,000 new distributors in the first year. This expansion seeks to increase mutual fund penetration in smaller towns and rural areas, leveraging India Post's extensive network.

FCI procures 2,442 metric tonne of Ragi in Odisha

In the 2024-25 Kharif season, the state government procured 75,000 metric tonne of Ragi, out of which FCI will lift 40,000 metric tonne

Naveen Patnaik discharged after hospitalisation for dehydration

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

RailTel shares jump 4% after fresh Rs 50 crore contract wins

RailTel shares: The PSU bagged contracts worth nearly 50 crore. The deals include a 34.99 crore project from Keralas IT Mission for data centre operations and a 15.42 crore contract from Odishas Higher Education Department to develop bilingual college websites.

NGT seeks action on coal-based sponge iron units

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to respond within a month to a report by IIT-Kharagpur which has raised grave environmental concerns over the use of coal-based rotary kiln technology in steel manufacturing. IIT-Kharagpur submitted a report to the NGT, recommending the complete phasing out of small to medium and lower capacity coal-based sponge iron or Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plants. These plants are primarily concentrated in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. This recommendation aims to mitigate carbon emissions. The report suggests that the government should not grant any environmental clearance to such units. The DRI process is highly energy-intensive, using coal to remove impurities and produce sponge iron. It is called sponge because the removal of oxygen creates tiny holes, giving it a spongy appearance under a microscope. In addition, the report. titled Decarbonizing Coal-based Rotary Kiln Steel Sector in India advises providing support to larger plants with capacities exceeding 500 tonnes per day (tpd). These plants are more efficient and can be improved further through retrofitting with new technology. The IIT prepared this report in response to environmental concerns raised by the NGT regarding coal-based rotary kiln technology used in steel manufacturing. Following the report, the NGT directed the CPCB to respond within one month. Currently, smaller DRI plants lead to carbon emissions at a rate of 4.1 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of sponge iron, as compared to the global average of 1.9 tonnes of CO2 per tonne. This situation challenges Indias efforts to meet the goals set by the Paris Agreement in 2015 to curb global warming. The report indicates that there is limited potential to enhance the capacity and efficiency of these smaller plants. This is a critical time for India to ban granting environmental clearance to any new (greenfield) or existing (brownfield) coal-based sponge iron production through rotary kilns, as these processes are carbon-intensive, visibly polluting, and pose serious health risks to both workers and surrounding communities, the report says. It recommends the government establish short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals for these DRI plants to reduce CO2 emissions and enhance their sustainability. It also suggests installation of Waste Heat Recovery plants and tech interventions to curb pollution.

Odisha Man Cooks Rare Lizard, Posts Online, Forest Officials Take Action

A YouTuber from Odisha's Mayurbhanj district has been arrested for allegedly cooking the meat of a protected and rare species of monitor lizard and posting the video on social media platforms.

India test-fires Agni 5 ballistic missile

India successfully test-fired the 'Agni 5' intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of striking targets up to 5,000 km away, from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha. The test validated all operational and technical parameters, extending India's strategic reach. This follows successful tests of the Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles last month, bolstering India's defense capabilities.

Odisha government clears 18 investment proposals worth Rs 4,515 crore

The Odisha government has given the green light to 18 investment proposals totaling Rs 4,515 crore, promising 8,200 jobs across eight districts. Key projects include a steel plant expansion in Jharsuguda, green energy initiatives like a solar cell manufacturing unit in Ganjam, and a hyperscale data center in Khurda.

India successfully test-fires Agni-5 ballistic missile from Odisha

Ministry of Defence said the launch validated all operational and technical parameters and was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni 5 Ballistic Missile

NEW DELHI, Aug 20: India on Wednesday successfully test-fired the Agni 5 intermediate range ballistic missile, in a demonstration of its strategic military capabilities. The defence ministry said the test-firing of the missile from the Integrated Test Range in Odishas Chandipur validated all operational and technical parameters. Intermediate range ballistic missile Agni 5 was successfully test-fired from the integrated test range, Chandipur in Odisha on August 20, it said in a brief statement. The launch validated all operational and technical [] The post India Successfully Test-Fires Agni 5 Ballistic Missile appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

India successfully test-fires 'Agni 5' intermediate-range ballistic missile

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday successfully test-fired the 'Agni 5' intermediate-range ballistic missile, in a demonstration of its strategic military capabilities. The defence ministry said the test-firing of the missile from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha's Chandipur validated all operational and technical parameters. Intermediate range ballistic missile 'Agni 5' was successfully test-fired from the integrated test range, Chandipur in Odisha on August 20, it said in a brief statement. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters. It was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, it said.

'Agni 5' Test Successful: India Launches Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile From Odisha

The ministry of defence said the launch of the indigenously developed missile validated all operational and technical parameters

India successfully test-fires Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile Agni 5

India successfully test fired the Agni 5 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, as announced by the Ministry of Defence. The launch, conducted by the Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters, confirming the missile's capabilities.

Stage set for Odisha Society UK 46th convention in London

Exciting preparations are underway for hosting the 46th Annual Convention of Odisha Society of United Kingdom (OSUK) Rahul Laud reports The Two days long Grand Ceremony of the Odiya community in the U.K. is scheduled to be held at Maidenhead in London on 23rd and 24th of August 2025.The OSUK Convention will provide the occasion and opportunity to Odias and Odisha state lovers settled in U.K. and nearby Countries to interact and have a social cultural dialogue . More than thousand members and well wishers of the OSUK alongwith their family and friends are expected to take part in this

PM Modi Speaks To Naveen Patnaik To Enquire About His Health, Invites Him To Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to BJD leader and former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik to enquire about his health. Modi wished him a speedy recovery and advised him to take rest.

Indian MF industry begins a big new push with four states as testing grounds

The Association of Mutual Funds of India plans to expand its investor base in a major way. With this end in view, it will train one lakh postmen as mutual fund distributors with India Post. The initial focus is on Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Meghalaya. The goal is to have at least ten distributors per district. Amfi aims to partner with academic institutions for training programs.

Nod to Rs 8.3K cr Bhubaneswar Bypass

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

Will vehemently oppose SIR in Odisha, if Bihar approach adopted, says BJD

In meeting with ECI, the party reiterates its objections to the unexplained and unusual variances in the number of votes polled and counted and sudden increase in polling percentage after 5 PM during 2024 elections

Depression Crosses Odisha Coast, Thunderstorms For AP

it was likely to move north-westwards across south Odisha and south Chhattisgarh and weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area during next few hours: Weatherman

Odisha Governor Narrowly Escapes Mishap As Stage Collapses

The incident occurred amid persistent rainfall during the Governors two-day visit to the district. Just moments after Dr Kambhampati, accompanied by the Bhadrak District Collector, the local MLA, higher education minister, and DIG (Eastern Range), exited the platform, the rear section of the stage gave way.

Odisha CM Majhi Hits Back At Mamata Banerjee, Rejects Claims Of Harassment Of Bengalis

Odisha CM Majhi dismissed Mamata Banerjee's claims of Bengalis being attacked in Odisha as baseless, clarifying police checks target suspected Bangladeshi immigrants.

US tariff will have no impact on NALCO, company eyeing UK market: CMD

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) reports a significant profit surge. The company is shifting its focus to the United Kingdom due to zero duty benefits. NALCO plans to start operations at its Pottangi bauxite mines in Odisha by next June. Expansion plans are underway to meet India's growing aluminium demand.

Cabinet clears new airport at Kota-Bundi in Rajasthan, other investments worth Rs 9,814 cr

The government has given the green light for a new airport in Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan. The project will cost Rs 1,507 crore. The current airport can only handle small planes. The Union Cabinet has also approved a six-lane ring road in Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. This project will involve an investment of Rs 8,307 crore. These developments aim to improve connectivity.

Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaiks health condition significantly improved, says hospital

The former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, is fully stable, talking to doctors, and doing well, hospital authorities said

Rajasthans Manika Vishwakarma crowned Miss Universe India 2025

JAIPUR: Rajasthans Manika Vishwakarma has been crowned Miss Universe India 2025, earning the opportunity to represent the country at the 74th Miss Universe competition, scheduled to be held in Thailand on 21 November 2025. Manika, who hails from Sri Ganganagar, described the win as a proud moment for Rajasthan and the nation. This achievement proves that dreams can take flight even from small towns, she said while addressing the media in Jaipur after her victory. Sharing her journey, Manika said she began from her hometown Ganganagar before moving to Delhi for preparations. We must instill confidence and courage in ourselves. Everyone had a big role in my success. I thank all those who supported me and made me capable of this, she said. She added that the competition is not just a stage but a world that builds character. In the finale, Tanya Sharma emerged as the first runner-up. The judging panel included Miss Universe India owner Nikhil Anand, actress and Miss Universe India 2015 Urvashi Rautela, and director Farhad Samji. Anand said that Jaipur was chosen as the host city for the finale to showcase and promote Indias art and culture. Bollywood actress and former Miss Universe India Urvashi Rautela was also present as a jury member in this prestigious competition. She said, The competition was very tough, but the winner is with us. We are very happy that we have got our winner. She will definitely make us proud in Miss Universe. The grand finale saw 48 contestants from across the countryincluding Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Odisha, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhicompete for the prestigious crown. With this victory, Manika Vishwakarma will now prepare to raise Indias flag high on the international stage in Miss Universe 2025.

Step to promote Odia under NEP: Odisha Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on IGNOUs new diploma course launch

Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj hailed the launch of IGNOUs Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) in Odia, terming it a step under NEP to promote mother-tongue learning. Inaugurated by Deputy CM Pravati Parida, the course has enrolled 31,000 students. IGNOU plans to translate all programmes into Odia within two years.

Hyderabad: Man held for murder of 10-yr-girl girl in Kukatpally

Hyderabad: A man from Odisha was on Tuesday, August 19 arrested in connection with the murder of a 10-year-old girl in Kukatpally on Monday. The accused, identified as Sanjay, had been residing on the second floor of the same building where Sahasras (victim) family lives. The neighbours told the police that Sanjay had been frequenting Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Odisha to Recruit 1,840 Doctors, 5,000 Paramedics to Boost Healthcare

The decision aims to fill critical manpower gaps, especially in rural and tribal-dominated areas

Odisha Auto Driver Sexually Assaults Minor Girl, Threatens To Set Her On Fire

An autorickshaw driver was arrested for sexually assaulting a minor girl and allegedly threatening to set her on fire if she resisted in Odisha's Cuttack.

Special Intensive Revision of Voter List to Begin in Odisha: CEO

CEO says 45,000 booths planned; final rolls to be published on Jan 7, 2026

After 24 years, ECI to conduct SIR of electoral rolls in Odisha

7,000 EPIC numbers in Odisha were found to match EPIC numbers belonging to voters outside the State

Rare Railway Scene: 7 Wagons Detach From Goods Train In Odisha

An unusual railway incident unfolded in Balasore on Monday when seven wagons of a coal-laden goods train got separated from its engine near Markona railway station

NDA's vice-presidential nominee reaches Delhi; meets PM Modi, other leaders

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan arrived in the national capital on Monday and met leaders of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a day after he was named as its vice-presidential candidate. A host of Union ministers, including the BJP's Bhupender Yadav, Pralhad Joshi and Kiren Rijiju and the TDP's K Ram Mohan Naidu, received Radhakrishnan here, ahead of a host of meetings the NDA has planned in connection with his campaign. Later in the evening, the vice-presidential candidate attended a meeting of NDA leaders where he was felicitated. Official sources said Radhakrishnan may file his nomination on August 20, with chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of several states ruled by the BJP and its allies expected to be part of the exercise besides Modi and many of his Cabinet colleagues. After the former Tamil Nadu BJP president and two-term ex-Lok Sabha MP met him, Modi said on X, Met Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji. Conveyed my best wishes on his being the NDA's vice-presidential nominee. His long years of public service and experience across domains will greatly enrich our nation. May he continue to serve the nation with the same dedication and resolve he has always demonstrated, the prime minister said. The NDA's numerical superiority has made Radhakrishnan's victory a certainty. But the ruling alliance's managers are in overdrive to consolidate maximum support in his favour to send out a political statement amid indications by the INDIA bloc parties that it will force a contest by naming its own candidate. The NDA received a boost after former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party, one of the few parties not aligned to either of the two rival blocs, extended its support to Radhakrishnan's candidature. The regional party has 11 MPs in Parliament, whose members make up the electoral college for the VP election. Union minister Rajnath Singh, who is overseeing the campaign and has reached out to different parties, had spoken to Reddy, sources said. The BJP is also eying support from two other unaligned regional parties, Odisha's BJD and Telangana's BRS, and some Independents. A source said they are hopeful of getting support from over 440 MPs in the electoral college of 781 members.

Low becomes marked as IMD issues depression alert over Bay, East Coast

Extreme rainfall threat warned for Konkan, Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Coastal AP, south Odisha, south Chhattisgarh

Delhi Police bust gang that sold over 100 girls, mostly from Odisha, for forced marriages

The North West Delhi Police has arrested four individuals involved in a child marriage racket. The gang targeted minor girls, marrying them off to older men for Rs 20,000.

3 Arrested After Minor Girl Gang-Raped In Odisha, 2 Others On The Run

A minor girl was allegedly gang-raped by five men in Odisha's Sambalpur yesterday, adding to a rise in crime against women and children in the eastern state. Three men have been arrested while two are still at large, said police.

Mortal Remains Of CISF Jawan Manoj Biswal Reach Native Village In Odisha

Biswal was killed in J&K landslide; thousands gather for final farewell

IMD predicts heavy rainfall in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

The Meteorological Department forecasts a depression forming over the Bay of Bengal. Andhra Pradesh is bracing for heavy rainfall. North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam may experience extremely heavy rain. South Coastal Andhra Pradesh could see heavy to very heavy rain. Rayalaseema is also expected to receive heavy rainfall. Strong winds are predicted, reaching speeds of 50 km per hour.

Odisha Villagers Unite to Give Dignified Farewell to Young Nomadic Woman

To ease the familys burden, the locals raised funds through small contributionshelping the nomadic group gather strength to return to their native village

10 Tonnes of Explosives Seized from Cattle Shed in Odishas Ganjam: 3 Arrested

Along with the explosives, the police recovered Rs 4 lakh in cash, two vehicles, and six mobile phones.

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

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

Weather Today: IMD isuues heavy rainfall alerts across India; Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha to be worst hit among others

IMD Weather Forecast: Monsoon rains continue to batter India, prompting the IMD to issue alerts for Mumbai, Telangana, and Odisha, where heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected. Coastal Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and other regions are also bracing for intense downpours. Mumbai and nearby districts are under orange and red alerts due to incessant rains, leading to incidents like short circuits and landslides.

Hockey player fatally attacks another in Odisha, held

Naveen Patnaik hospitalised for dehydration

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was hospitalized Sunday evening due to dehydration. Doctors report his condition as stable and that he is responding positively to treatment. Current Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed his concern and offered prayers for Patnaik's swift recovery and good health.

Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik admitted to hospital

According to BJD, the Leader of the Opposition is suffering from dehydration and will be discharged soon

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

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

Death of Puri burn victim: Police says ignore social media posts; claims probe in last stage

Odisha police are investigating the death of a 15-year-old girl who suffered severe burns in Puri district, urging the public to disregard social media posts due to the sensitive nature of the case and the victim's minor status. The investigation is nearing completion, focusing on how a video of the injured girl went viral, potentially violating the Juvenile Justice Act.

BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik hospitalised, condition stable

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

Former Odisha CM, BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik Hospitalised Due To Age-Related Health Issues

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, 78, was admitted to a private hospital with age-related health issues. He had previously undergone spinal surgery in Mumbai.

Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik hospitalised: Admitted to private hospital with age-related ailments; recently returned from Mumbai after spinal surgery

Odisha Police Constable Found Hanging From Tree, Husband Charged With Abetment To Suicide

The body of a female police constable was found hanging from a tree near the Nuapada railway station in Odisha on Saturday, officials said.

Ashram Head Priest Arrested For Alleged Rape Of Woman Inmate In Odisha

The Odisha Police have arrested the head priest of an ashram in Dhenkanal district for allegedly raping a 35-year-old woman inmate, officials said.

Drowning has claimed 7,798 lives in Odisha since 2020

Experts believe most of these deaths are preventable underscoring urgent need for a public health intervention

Catholic priests presence at RSS event in Pala raises eyebrows

Father George Nellikunnu Cherivu Purayidoms participation at the event comes in the wake of recent attacks on nuns and priests from Kerala in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, allegedly by Sangh Parivar activists.

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

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

Odisha: 23-Year-Old Tourist Drowns at Eco-Resort Swimming Pool

The incident has sparked concerns among visitors, many of whom allege that the tragedy could have been averted if proper safety measures were in place.

Key Highway Submerged As Rain Disrupts Road Connectivity In Odisha

Incessant rainfall over the past 48 hours has triggered a flood-like situation in Odisha's Malkangiri district, severely disrupting road connectivity to neighbouring states Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Cabinet approves Rs. 4,600 crore semiconductor manufacturing projects in Odisha, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh - DD News

Cabinet approves Rs. 4,600 crore semiconductor manufacturing projects in Odisha, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh DD News

Odisha announces 21 NACs to boost infrastructure and services under urbanisation

The State government follows a policy of zero tolerance towards crimes against women, says CM Mohan Majhi

Odisha Man Tied To Tree, Beaten, Left Overnight By In-Laws Over Domestic Dispute

In Odisha's Gajapati district, a man was tied to a tree and beaten by his in-laws while awaiting a court hearing over a domestic dispute. The police are investigating the incident.

Police given 'absolute power' to act in cases of crimes against women: Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi

Addressing the Independence Day function, Mohan Charan Majhi said his government will not hesitate to bring a special legislation to completely end organised crimes

Is Naveen Patnaik Heading Toward Footnotes of Odishas Political History?

None of the BJD MPs joined the Opposition march to the ECI in Delhi. Their role in the debates on Waqf Bill and Operation Sindoor are also raising eyebrows.

Heavy to Very Heavy Rains Forecast in Northern Telangana

A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has intensified and is moving towards north coastal Andhra and south Odisha, the IMD said.

Odishas oldest engineering institute introduce uniform code for students

Dupattas have been banned for girls on safety grounds, as the long scarves could get caught in moving machinery in laboratories