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Odisha Government terminates empanelment of IT firm involved in recruitment scam
The Tier-1 empanelment of Silicon Tech Lab was terminated for violation of multiple material clauses of its service agreement
Odisha Class 12 Exams 2026: Date Sheet Released, Details Here
Odisha Class 12 Exam Dates 2026: Project evaluation and viva voce for Commerce stream students will be carried out by school teachers in groups of 24 students.
The CHSE, Odisha, has released the detailed timetable for the 2026 Class 12 board examinations. Theory exams for Science, Commerce, and Arts streams are scheduled from February 18 to March 26, 2026, with practical exams taking place in December 2025 and January 2026. The complete schedule is available on the official website.
Odisha Assembly Clears Bill Allowing Women's Night Shifts, Raising Workday To 10 Hours
The Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was cleared amid a walkout by the opposition BJD and the Congress.
Japan's JFE, JSW forge 15,750-cr steel JV
In a landmark collaboration, JSW Steel is joining forces with JFE Steel in a massive 15,750 crore venture, acquiring Bhushan Power & Steel's facility in Odisha. This transformative agreement is anticipated to cut JSW Steel's debt load by nearly 50%, paving the way for accelerated growth and enhanced operational capacity at Bhushan Power & Steel beyond its current milestones.
More Than 20 Suspected Bangladeshi Nationals Detained in Odishas Jagatsinghpur
Late-night crackdown across coastal Odisha follows renewed alerts on unauthorised stay
AI Tools Used in Paddy Procurement to Safeguard Farmer's interest: Odisha Minister
Odisha ramps up tech-driven paddy procurement, assures transparency and timely payments
Odisha government to organise Global Energy Leaders Summit 2025 in Puri on December 5-7
The upcoming GELSwill bring together Union and State energy ministers, secretaries, policymakers, innovators, researchers, and industry leaders to dwell on shaping Indias shared energy future
Odisha faces nearly Rs 7,000 cr in unpaid electricity bills
Odishas power consumers, including industrial, commercial and domestic users, owe nearly Rs 7,000 crore in unpaid electricity bills, the state government informed the Assembly.
Punjab records highest groundwater extraction in India, says CGWB report
CHANDIGARH: Groundwater extraction in the country is the highest in Punjab, followed by Rajasthan and Haryana, according to the latest National Compilation of Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2025 report of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The findings show that 25 per cent of the 6,762 total blocks in India have been categorised as over-exploited, critical or semi-critical, a situation concentrated in nine states, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Puducherry. As per the report, groundwater extraction in Punjab stands at 156.36 per cent, the highest in the country, followed by Rajasthan at 147.11 per cent and Haryana at 136.75 per cent, all significantly above the national average of 60.63 per cent. At the national level, annual groundwater extraction has seen a marginal decline, from 27.66 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2023 to 26.27 BCM last year. The total annual ground water recharge of Punjab has been assessed as 18.6 bcm and annual extractable ground water resource as 16.8 bcm. Out of total 153 assessment units including three urban areas taken for study, 111 assessment units (72.55 per cent) have been categorized as Over-exploited, 10 blocks (6.54 per cent) as Critical, 15 blocks (9.80 per cent) as Semi Critical and 17 blocks (11.11 per cent) as Safe, the report said. Similarly, out of 50175.27 square kilometers recharge worthy area of the state, 34294.3 sq km (68.35 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 4353.15 sq. km (8.68 per cent) under Critical, 4478.11 sq km (8.92 per cent) under Semi-critical and 7049.71sq km (14.05 per cent) under Safe category, reads the report. For Rajasthan, the report states,Out of the 302 assessment units (blocks and urban areas), 213 units (70.53 per cent) have been categorized as Over Exploited, 23 units (7.62 per cent) as Critical, 27 units (8.94 per cent) as Semi-Critical, 36 units (11.92 per cent) blocks as Safe and 3 units (0.99 per cent) as Saline. Similarly, out of 317010.74 sq km recharge worthy area of the state, 222266.46 sq km (70.11 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 19404.23 sq. km (6.12 per cent) under Critical, 22535.05 sq km (7.11 per cent) under Semi-critical, 43869.11 sq km (13.84 per cent) under Safe and 8935.89 sq km (2.82 per cent) area under Saline categories of assessment units. In Haryana, the situation is similar. While in Haryana, out of total 143 assessment units (blocks/Urban), 91 units (63.64 per cent) have been categorized as Overexploited, 6 units (4.20 per cent) as Critical, 15 units (10.49 per cent) as Semi Critical and 31 units (21.68 per cent) as Safe categories of assessment units. Similarly, out of 43,205.81 sq. km recharge worthy area of the State, 26,828.05 sq. km (62.09 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 1,170.46 sq. km (2.71 per cent) under Critical, 4,253.89 sq. km (9.85 per cent) under Semicritical, 10,953.42 sq. km (25.35 per cent) under Safe categories of assessment units, it added. The report assesses the total annual groundwater extraction of the entire country for 2025 at 247.22 bcm. Agriculture remains the largest consumer, accounting for 87 per cent, or 215.10 bcm, followed by 11 per cent for domestic use (27.89 bcm) and 2 per cent for industrial use (4.23 bcm). In the present assessment, total annual groundwater recharge has been pegged at 448.52 bcm, while the annual extractable groundwater resource stands at 407.75 bcm. The average stage of groundwater extraction at the national level is 60.63 per cent. Out of 6,762 blocks in the country, 730 units (10.80 per cent) are categorised as over-exploited, and 201 blocks (2.97 per cent) are classified as critical where extraction ranges from 90 to 100 per cent. Another 758 blocks (11.21 per cent) fall under the semi-critical category, while 4,946 units (73.14 per cent) are considered safe, with extraction below 70 per cent. Additionally, 127 blocks (1.88 per cent) have been listed as saline due to brackish or saline groundwater in phreatic aquifers. The report highlights that the percentage of over-exploited, critical and semi-critical blocks exceeding 25 per cent of total units is found only in nine states, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Puducherry. It attributes the situation to region-specific factors, Over-exploitation of ground water resources could be due to various region-specific reasons. The assessment units located in the north-western part of the country (particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh) have plenty of replenishable ground water resources but because of the over extraction beyond the annual ground water recharge, many of these units have become Over-exploited. Overexploited units are also common in the western part of the country, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat where the prevailing arid climate results in low recharge of ground water and hence stress on these sources, the report stated. It further adds, In peninsular India, over-exploited units are wide spread in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana which could be attributed mainly to the low storage and transmission capacities of aquifers of the hard rock terrains, which results in reduced availability of the resource. The report also notes that in Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Lakshadweep, domestic groundwater extraction exceeds 40 per cent. Groundwater extraction stands between 90 and 100 per cent in Delhi, and between 70 and 90 per cent in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In most other states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Lakshadweep, extraction levels are around 70 per cent. The report concludes that compared to the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment of 2024, the total annual groundwater recharge has marginally increased from 446.9 bcm to 448.52 bcm.
Once a promising 90s Bollywood star, Chandrachur Singh is now embroiled in a land dispute over his ancestral haveli in Aligarh, alleging family members are attempting illegal possession. Singh, who previously shared screen space with Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai, recently visited the District Magistrate's office seeking intervention.
Odisha Assembly Passes Jan Vishwas Bill To Decriminalise Minor Offences, Ease Business Rules
Amendment to 16 state laws replaces jail terms with civil penalties, aims to boost investment and trust-based governance
Andhra Pradesh mulling setting up of a metal cluster in the north
CM Naidu directs officials to work on modalities, to study Odisha model
From Farmland To National Podium: Odisha Teen Rachana Majhis Rise In Indian Archery
A chance encounter at a village school transformed 17-year-old girl into a national gold medallist: Reports
Odisha Teacher Faces Probe for Reporting to School Drunk
BEO withholds days salary, issues show-cause notice following complaints of misconduct in Boudh district
More than 700 cough syrup manufacturers subjected to intense audit: Government tells Rajya Sabha
NEW DELHI: More than 700 cough syrup manufacturers were subjected to intense audit and increased market surveillance sampling of syrup formulations was done by central and state drugs regulators in the wake of children deaths allegedly due to consumption of contaminated cough syrups, Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday. Upon receipt of reports of a cluster of child deaths from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, a central team of experts visited Chhindwara and Nagpur and undertook a detailed investigation of the reported cases and deaths in coordination with the Madhya Pradesh state authorities, Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said in a written reply. The team comprised an epidemiologist, a microbiologist, an entomologist, and drug inspectors from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV), and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). A total of 19 drug samples, reportedly consumed by the affected children, were collected from the treating private practitioners and nearby retail stores for testing, Patel said. Chemical analysis of these 19 samples indicated that 15 samples were of standard quality, while 4 samples were declared not of standard quality (NSQ), she stated. As per the test report, the content of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) in Syrup Coldrif manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical located in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu and consumed by the deceased children was found to be 46.28 per cent w/v, Patel said in her reply. The premises of M/s Sresan Pharmaceuticals was inspected. Several critical and major good manufacturing practices violations including unhygienic storage conditions were observed, the matter regarding the criminal action against the manufacturer was taken up by CDSCO with the Tamil Nadu government, she said. The state drugs controller Nadu cancelled the manufacturing licence. Further, following the incident, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Puducherry, where the impugned cough syrup batches were supplied, ordered immediate ban and recall, Patel informed. Criminal case has been registered in the matter by Madhya Pradesh and strict action has been taken including the arrest of persons involved. An advisory has been issued on October 3 to health departments and healthcare facilities of all states and Union territories to ensure rational use of paediatric cough syrups, Patel said. Further, the Drugs Controller (India) directed all states and Union territories drug controllers on October 7 to ensure strict compliance with testing requirements under the Drugs Rules, 1945, and on October 21 instructed them to maintain heightened vigilance against spurious and substandard drugs and take prompt action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. More than 700 cough syrup manufacturers have been subjected to intense audit in coordination with state authorities and increased market surveillance sampling of syrup formulations by central and state drugs regulators has also been done, Patel stated. In addition to the existing requirements of testing the raw materials, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ghaziabad has issued an amendment to Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2022, to also mandate the testing for DEG and Ethylene Glycol (EG) in oral liquids at finished product stage before market release, she said.
Barabati Set for T20 Spectacle as IndiaSouth Africa Clash Nears
Odisha Cricket Association gears up with upgraded facilities, elaborate safety measures and seamless ticketing for Dec. 9 showdown
'I Dont Want Gifts Or Fame' Blind Cricket T20 WC Winner Phula Saren Pleads For A Roof For Her Family
Blind Cricket T20 WC: The 20-year-old Phula Saren from Odishas Balasore district, who was adjudged Player of the Match in the final of the Blind Womens T20 Cricket World Cup in Colombo, said that reality struck her hard upon returning home after Indias historic title triumph. The Blind Womens Cricket T20 World Cup-winning team was accorded a hero's welcome on its return to India. Moreover, the Government of Odisha awarded Rs 11 lakh each to the Odisha players after their historic win. Phula, however, revealed that she was met with an eviction notice, compelling her to plead with the government for a small home for herself and her family. The world champion is deeply concerned about her parents struggles, living in a temporary hut on government land in Salabanei village, amid the threat of eviction. When I came back with the World Cup, our District Collector told us he felt proud. But now we have received an eviction notice. Where will we go? Phula told IANS. If they remove us, I cannot study, I cannot practice, I cannot play. I will lose everything. I played for India I made my country proud. But now I dont know where my family will live, said Phula, holding back tears. Phulas parents are daily wage labourers. The family have no land of their own. We live on government land a small shed my father built. My mother works as a helper in a local lab. My brothers also work as labourers. There is no stable income. She added, My father could not support my education or my game. Many times I wanted to quit. I was the only girl from my district to even complete higher studies people in my village said, She is blind, what will she do? I just want a small house for my family. I dont want big gifts. I dont want fame. I only want a small piece of land so my family can build a house. If we are removed, where will we stay? How will I continue my studies or cricket? She said that some officials promised help, but nothing materialised. They said they would support me open training facilities give us land. But nothing happened. Everyone wants credit when I win. But when I need help, no one is there. I just want a small house for my family. I dont want big gifts. I dont want fame. I only want a small piece of land so my family can build a house. If we are removed, where will we stay? How will I continue my studies or cricket? Also Read: Live Cricket Score Phula further recalled the moments after Indias historic victory against Nepal in Colombo. Winning the World Cup felt like touching the sky. My dream was to meet PM Modi and just two days after the win, he called us. When he shook my hand, he said he was proud of us. I will never forget that day, she said.' Article Source: IANS
The marine fishermen, who hail from Kendrapara district, were sent to judicial custody after their arrest December 1
Odisha removes 6.95 lakh 'Ghost' ration cards under ongoing e-KYC verification drive
Odisha is actively removing ineligible beneficiaries from its Public Distribution System. An e-KYC drive has identified and cancelled over 6.95 lakh ghost ration cards. The verification deadline is now December 31. Meanwhile, opposition MPs are protesting the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, citing concerns over voter deletions and the right to vote.
Odisha: Woman Doctor to Donate Entire Life Savings to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Her 100th Birthday
Dr. Bai has conveyed her wish that the amount be utilised specifically for the treatment of women cancer patients, reflecting her lifelong dedication to womens healthcare.
49 Bangladeshis deported by Odisha govt.; two jailed for securing passports fraudulently
Two Bangladeshis had obtained Indian passports using fake documents and they have been sent to jail
Nagesh Trophy 2025: CAB Haryana Storm To 10-wicket Victory In A One-sided Contest
National T20 Cricket Tournament: CAB Haryana produced a ruthless display to overpower CAB Pondicherry by 10 wickets, setting the tone for the days fixtures in the Nagesh Trophy 2025, the 8th edition of the Mens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025 in Jabalpur on Monday. Put in to bat, Pondicherry were bowled out for 63 in just 10.2 overs, unable to withstand Haryanas relentless attack. Skipper Deepak Malik (B3) spearheaded the bowling effort with a superb 2/14 in 3 overs, while Parveen Kumar Sharma chipped in with 3 wickets, tightening the stranglehold. Haryanas response was nothing short of emphatic. Captain Deepak Malik (49 not out off 26) and wicketkeeper Rohit Sharma (9 not out off 8) raced to the target in a mere 5.2 overs, sealing a commanding win without breaking a sweat. For his strong all-round show, Deepak Malik (B3) was adjudged Player of the Match. The victory reinforces Haryanas status as a top contender in the league stage. In the second match of the day, CAB Odisha crushed CAB Madhya Pradesh with a 10-wicket masterclass on Monday. CAB Odisha delivered another dominant 10-wicket triumph, outclassing CAB Madhya Pradesh with exceptional composure and control. Madhya Pradesh posted 111/8 in 20 overs, with 39 extras contributing significantly to the total, as Odishas disciplined attack applied constant pressure. Dhanapati Gauda (B3) led brilliantly, returning 3 wickets in 4 overs and breaking the backbone of MPs middle order. Odishas chase was a clinical exhibition of confidence and skill. Dhanapati Gauda (49 off 36) and Lalprasad Soren (53 off 34) forged an unbroken opening stand to overhaul the target in 11.2 overs, ensuring a flawless victory. Madhya Pradesh posted 111/8 in 20 overs, with 39 extras contributing significantly to the total, as Odishas disciplined attack applied constant pressure. Dhanapati Gauda (B3) led brilliantly, returning 3 wickets in 4 overs and breaking the backbone of MPs middle order. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Earlier in February this year, Andhra Pradesh reaffirmed their dominance in blind cricket by securing victory at the 7th edition of the Nagesh Trophy Mens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2024-25. In a thrilling final held at Altiore Sports Oval, Andhra Pradesh outclassed Delhi with a commanding performance, clinching victory by a comprehensive margin. Article Source: IANS
Ticket to the Lord: OCA's first pass for Cuttack T20 lands at Jagannath Temple
The Odisha Cricket Association has offered the first ticket for the India-South Africa T20 match to Lord Jagannath. This gesture seeks divine blessings for the event's smooth organization. The match is scheduled for December 9. Earlier, India won the first ODI against South Africa. Virat Kohli scored a century in that match. The ODI series concludes on December 6.
Odisha Youth Dies by Suicide After Girlfriend Allegedly Backs Out of Marriage
Relatives alleged that after obtaining the post, the woman distanced herself from him and backed out of their long-discussed marriage plans
IND vs SA: Odisha Cricket Association offers first Cuttack match ticket to Lord Jagannath
The Odisha Cricket Association has offered the first ticket for the India versus South Africa T20 match to Lord Jagannath. This gesture seeks divine blessings for the smooth conduct of the game. The ticket was placed at the deity's feet in Puri. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also purchased tickets for the upcoming international cricket match.
Weather Update today: Cold wave conditions are likely to grip Punjab and Maharashtra and dense fog conditions are likely to prevail in Odisha, Manipur on December 1, the IMD has said in its latest weather bulletin. Due to the cyclonic storm Ditwah, Tamil Nadu received moderate rainfall today and more showers have been predicted for Andhra Pradesh.
BC Associations Call Chalo Delhi for 50% OBC Quota in Assemblies, Parliament
Rajya Sabha member and association chairman R. Krishnaiah said the protest would begin with a series of national seminars, drawing large delegations from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha, along with professors, intellectuals, eight Union ministers, and 20 MPs from various parties.
Rare Pygmy Killer Whale Found Dead On Odisha Coast
A rare pygmy killer whale was found dead on the coast of Odisha's Bhadrak district, officials said on Sunday.
Haryanas Nuh emerges as key operational base in white-collar terror module
BHOPAL:The Nuh district of Haryana has emerged as an alleged hideout, operational base for sourcing materials and recruitment ground for the white collar modules operatives. This comes against the investigations' progress into the white-collar terror module and the 10/11 Delhi blast case. The same southeastern Haryana district has also turned out to be the nucleus of Madhya Pradeshs biggest-ever inter-state cyber crime ring, which was busted by the police in early 2025. As the MP polices cyber crime unit accelerates its probe into the inter-state racket, men operating from Nuh (Haryana) have emerged as the kingpins and masterminds, which is believed to be worth more than Rs 3000 crore. Anatomy of a white collar terror module The cyber fraud ring involved more than 1000 bank accounts of people in the Vindhya and Mahakoshal region of MP, being used as mule accounts to park and circulate fraud money and hundreds of SIM cards sourced from MP were used by cyber fraudsters for committing crimes across the country. More than 25 persons, hailing from MP, Haryana and Bihar, have so far been arrested and charge-sheeted in the court in MP. The men in Nuh (mostly school dropouts) operated an illegal call centre at a flat in Gurugram, which was used to make calls to people for duping them via various kinds of cyber-crimes, including job offers, gaming and cryptocurrency investment frauds, etc. The SIM cards, which were sourced by the rackets kingpins from their operatives in MP and other states, reached through middlemen based in the Bihar capital Patna. Cybercrime police bust ATM card cloning racket, nab onefrom Haryana The bank accounts, which were used as mule accounts (around 70 per cent of them were originally held by low-income people in MPs Vindhya and Mahakoshal regions), served as the pipeline through which more than Rs 3,000 crore was routed to various destinations. The funds which were rotated through these accounts were actually proceeds of cybercrime committed in various parts of the country, religious charity money, as well as money from unknown sources suspected to have been used possibly for terror funding. A large sum of money was actually routed through the mule accounts to the Middle East, a MP police officer added. The men operating from Nuh even operated shell companies/firms in Hyderabad and parts of Maharashtra. These shell firms/companies were particularly used for cyber fraud and the transfer of illicit money. The 25-plus men who have been arrested in the case over the last 11 months have already been charge-sheeted in the court. Now we are going to zero in upon the real kingpins/masterminds of the racket in Nuh, the officer maintained. As per MP police sources, its not the first time that Nuhs name has cropped up in a major cybercrime case. Nuh has gradually emerged as a prime cybercrime hotspot in the country. Years back, it was Jamtara in Jharkhand, but a sustained crackdown witnessed newer hotspots emerge in West Bengal, adjoining parts of Odisha and later some parts of western UP. But over the last couple of years, Nuh in Haryana and adjoining districts of Rajasthan have come out as the prime cyber-crime hub of India, Madhya Pradesh polices SP (state cyber crime cell) Pranay Nagwanshi said. Children are linked to cybercrime in at least three of every 3,000 cases, say experts
Odisha Couple Marries by Taking Oath on Constitution
The Berhampur wedding promotes equality, social responsibility, and a message against caste and dowry practices
'We have sufficient forces present here': IG of BSF Frontier HQ on Naxal situation in Odisha
The spirited efforts of the Border Security Force in Odisha are proving effective against Naxal threats, bolstered by an impressive array of troops and state-of-the-art weaponry. The establishment of new bases in Kandhamal signifies a strong operational expansion. The BSFs use of advanced technologies, including drones and sophisticated arms akin to international border security, highlights their commitment.
Only 4% have access to palliative care in India
NEW DELHI: Nearly 7-10 million people require palliative care (PC) in India, but less than four per cent have access to it, said the latest study, which found that only Kerala and Chandigarh provide better accessibility to these centres as compared to states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Bihar. The study, published in the ecancermedicalscience journal, said that the demand for palliative care in India is going to rise as four in ten people are estimated to have at least one chronic disease, and the burden is expected to rise to address serious health-related suffering, which is commonly associated with end-stage chronic diseases like cancer. It said there are various barriers to the poor delivery of palliative care in India, including an inequitable distribution of services and poor geographic access to health centres. Dr Parth Sharma, the lead author of the study, said, Our analysis shows that access to palliative care in the country remains extremely poor, forcing people living with serious pain to travel long distances for adequate relief. Yet improving access to palliative care and essential opioids for pain management does not require new infrastructure. Significant gains can be achieved simply by training more healthcare providers in palliative care and integrating these services across all levels of the existing health system, said Dr Sharma from the Association for Socially Applicable Research (ASAR), Pune. The study, which assessed the geographical accessibility of palliative care in India, said that in 2022, India had 526 palliative care centres-Pallium India (PCC-PI), with a density of four per 10 million population. Chandigarh, Delhi, Kerala, and Goa had good access to PCs, while most other states/UTs, especially in the north and northeastern parts of the country, need to improve accessibility in their regions. Siddhesh Zadey, the corresponding author of the study, added, Geography is often ignored in talks around universal health coverage, although its an important determinant. Where you are placed can change your life, including your health access. He said that the study is part of the larger work on timely access to healthcare within its flagship IndoHealMap project, under which they are building access-to-care maps for around 3,00,000 healthcare facilities.
Murder of pregnant woman: Second accused gets death penalty
ALAPPUZHA: The Alappuzha District Sessions Court III on Saturday sentenced the second accused, Rajani, to death in the murder of 32-year-old Anitha, a pregnant woman and mother of two. Anitha, daughter of Sasidharan from Punnapra Thekkemadam, was killed on July 9, 2021. Earlier, the court had handed down death penalty to the first accused, Prabeesh, a native of Nilambur. The second accused, Rajani, 38, of Pathissery House, Kainakary, was produced before the court on Saturday after being brought from a jail in Odisha in connection with an NDPS case. When Judge M Shuhaib asked whether she had anything to say prior to sentencing, she replied that she had nothing to say. The prosecution said both accused murdered Anitha around 9.30 pm, inside Rajanis bedroom. They allegedly strangled the victim, who was pregnant at the time, into unconsciousness and, assuming she was dead, took her in a boat and dumped her body in the Pookaitha stream. The body later surfaced, leading to the investigation.
'Red corridor' spread due to Congress-Naxal nexus, BJP claims, says influence declined under Modi
NEW DELHI: The BJP on Saturday alleged that Naxal insurgency in India persisted for an extended period and reached alarming proportions largely due to policy paralysis during the second term of the erstwhile Congress-led UPA government. In a series of posts on X, the BJP claimed that then PM Manmohan Singh had described Naxalism as Indias greatest internal threat, yet the UPA had treated extremists as victims instead of confronting them. Congress sheltered sympathisers, blocked anti-Maoist action, and gave political cover that jeopardised Indias safety, it alleged. The BJP accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of fuelling Naxalite sympathies, calling it a threat to national sovereignty. A significant factor behind such a situation was the influence of urban Naxals inducted as members in Sonia Gandhi-led erstwhile National Advisory Council (NAC), it charged. Asserting that there is a significant decline in Naxal influence under Prime Minister Narendra Modis government, the BJP alleged that Naxalite apologists continue to remain entrenched in the Congress leadership. The Red corridor didnt emerge overnight it was allowed to spread under the #CongressNaxalNexus, and emboldened during the years when India needed a spine of steel, the BP said, adding that countless brave personnel were ambushed from Chhattisgarh to Odisha, Maharashtra to Jharkhand. There was no immediate reaction from the Congress to the BJPs charge. The BJP said that PM Modi empowered the home ministry to pursue a decisive strategy against the menace. The influence of Naxalism has witnessed a significant decline since its peak in the late 2000s, when it impacted 180 districts across India. By 2024, this number reduced to just 38 districts, predominantly concentrated within the Red corridor in states, such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bihar, it added. Recently, security forces neutralised Madvi Hidma, one of the countrys most wanted Maoist commanders, the party said. Naxal-hit dists down The influence of Naxalism has witnessed a decline since its peak in the late 2000s, when it impacted 180 districts across India.
Political Storm Erupts In Odisha Over Security Cover For Naveen Patnaiks Aide V.K. Pandian
The Congress accused the BJP-led state government of shielding Pandian, alleging a tacit understanding between the ruling BJP and the BJD: Reports
Odisha to set up 15 fast track courts for exclusive POCSO trials
State identifies locations for new POCSO courts as pendency crosses 18.7 lakh cases across Odisha judiciary
Odisha Sets March 2026 Deadline To Eliminate Last Vestiges Of Maoist Threat
The BSF and Odisha Police are leveraging advanced technology, including drones and satellite surveillance, to track and neutralise the remaining Maoist leadership
Odisha's Supplementary Budget lacks any vision, claims Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik
Odisha's Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik claimed the Supplementary Budget lacked any vision and would push the State towards a fiscal deficit situation
The Shahdara Railway Station is a key transportation hub, with trains operating from here to various destinations, including Western Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and other states. Read here to more details.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | Mhatres explosive ton does the job for Mumbai
The openers maiden T20 century and Dubes quick 39 seal the chase against Vidarbha ;Kerala falls short by 32 runs against Railways; Andhra registers a 66-run win over Odisha
Antibiotic Residues: Shrimp Exports Face Challenge After Rejection in EU Market
Recently, seven containers of shrimps exported from Odisha failed quality tests due to presence of antibiotic residues in them in the European market, leading to their rejection
Over 1,500 Govt Schools in Odisha Still Without Electricity, Minister Tells Assembly
Data shows big gaps in basic facilities despite years of improvements
No Work, No Salary: Odisha Collector Freezes Pay of Officials Defying Digital Workflow Order
The directive mandates that salaries will be released only after the defaulting departments begin and complete their assigned tasks through OSWAS.
Crude Bombs Hurled Near School Gate In Odisha's Bhubaneswar, Probe Underway
According to police sources, bike-borne assailants hurled the bombs at the school gate, which usually sees heavy student movement in the morning.
Odisha revises Maoist policy; to provide surrender reward up to Rs 1.20 crore
Bhubaneswar: To eradicate left-wing extremism in the state, the Odisha government has launched a revised Maoist surrender and rehabilitation policy with a provision of maximum financial assistance up to Rs 1.20 crore and also enhanced reward money for surrendered firearms. Additional Director General of Police (Anti-Maoist operation), Sanjeeb Panda said: Top Maoist leaders like central 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 CM Majhi Presents Rs 17,440-Crore Supplementary Budget
The Supplementary Budget comes on top of the Rs 2.90-lakh-crore main budget and seeks primarily to fund flagship programmes already under implementation.
Man sentenced to 5 years in prison for transporting ganja from Odisha
To honour the invaluable contribution made by private schools in elevating the stature of education, sports and culture in the country, Chandigarh University in collaboration with Federation of Private Schools and Associations of Punjab (FAP) felicitated principals, teachers and students from over 800 schools across India during the 5th edition of the FAP National Awards 2025 held at Chandigarh University campus. Haryana Governor, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, addressing the awardees during the inauguration of 2-Day FAP National Awards 2025 Ogranised by Chandigarh University Governor of Haryana, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, inaugurated the FAP National Awards 2025 as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by his wife Mitra Ghosh. Besides Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu who presided over the event as Guest of Honour, the other dignitaries who graced the event included Dr G Immanuel, Chairman of Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE), singer, actor and lyricist Gurnam Bhullar, Chandigarh University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Raviraja N Seetharam, Senior Managing Director Chandigarh University Deepinder Singh Sandhu and President of FAP Dr Jagjit Singh Dhuri. On the opening day of FAP National Awards 2025, 782 schools, teachers, principals and meritorious students from 18 States & UTs were felicitated with the awards. During the inaugural ceremony, 20 awards were given for Lifetime Achievement, Academic Achievement, Pride of India- Academic Achievement and Pride of India- Sports Achievement Awards. In all, Lifetime Achievement Award was given to 50 principals and teachers, Pride of India- Academic Achievement Awards were given to 315 awards students of 105 schools and 41 schools were given awards for achievements in sports. Pride of India- Sports Achievement Awards were also given to 356 students. In the two-day award ceremony, awards will be given to teachers, students and schools from 18 States and Union Territories including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Bihar. These Awards will be given in four categories including The Best School Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Pride of School Award and The Best Student Award (Pride of India) for their futuristic vision and meritorious achievements in the domains of academic, sports, cultural and social contribution. In his inaugural address, Governor of Haryana, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh said, “ Private sector plays a pivotal role in elevating the standard of school education in our country. Of about 14.72 lakh schools in India, there are 3.40 lakh private schools which account for 23% of the total schools. I strongly feel that an organization like FAP must come forward in ensuring the children from weaker sections of society have their fair representation in private schools as well which will further promote equity and inclusiveness in education .” “ Our progress in education also reflects the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji under whom historic reforms have strengthened India's position as a global education hub. The PM Shree scheme has modernized over 4,500 schools providing world class infrastructure and access. The National Education Policy has placed research, innovation, and knowledge at the center of learning. As a result, India's ranking in the Global Innovation Index has improved from 81 in 2014 when Prime Minister Modi ji had come to power to 39 in 2025 which is a remarkable achievement. Patent filings have grown up by 31% and India now ranks 4th globally with 1.3 million academic research publications in the last five years. The government's decision to reduce patent application fee is by 80% for institutions has accelerated this change ,” the Governor added. Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh further said, “ Moreover, the education budget has risen from Rs 79,451 Crore in 2014 to a historic figure of Rs Rs 1,28,650 Crore in 2025-26. As we honor today's achievers let us reaffirm our collective commitment to shaping a brighter more innovative and inclusive future for India's children .” Commending the award recipients for their significant contributions in shaping the minds of the youth, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, said, “ As an educationist, I can say that whatever change that has come in the society has come because of teachers. Our visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s has given the vision of a Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat by 2047. I am sure the biggest role in realizing this vision will be played by the provided educational institutions and private school teachers because it is not possible for government to do everything or even fulfil the need of quality education which is being fulfilled by the private institutions for making this vision a reality. So today India has emerged from the 11th largest economy in the world to become the fourth largest economy. Even children from the poorest of the poor backgrounds can touch the heights of progress with the power of education. Five years ago, no one had thought that private schools would get the same honor and respect as government schools. Which has been possible through these FAP Awards. ” “ Children from the poorest of backgrounds can touch the skies of progress with the power of education. Affectionate and devoted teachers play the most important role in giving strength to the flight of children. The new National Education Policy 2020 aims to make India a Global Knowledge Superpower. Our educational institutions and teachers have to contribute actively in school education, higher education and skill education to achieve this goal. I am sure our teachers will establish India as a Global Knowledge Superpower with their crucial contribution ,” he added. Dr G Immanuel, Chairman of Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE) said, “ Now around the world now there is a lot of competition happening and every school education board is trying to compete from with other board. The best practices are being transferred easily. Most of the boards are going for STEAM education now. Earlier, STEM education which means Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education was followed. Now, to this we added Art. Art is very important because Art is part of everything. In STEM education, Art is being added to make it more collaborative, more useful for everybody .” Warning against the dangers of digital information, Dr G Immanuel said, “ Learning doesn't happen and only within the school premises in the schools, colleges or universities. It happens everywhere anyway with lots of information freely flowing. Now one has to regulate this. Unless we regulate this information to decide which information should be taken in and which information should not be taken in, it may affect and cause a problem. Therefore, as educators we need to reach out to the children and have some regulatory system as unregulated information may cause a lot of havoc for everybody. Now, digital information is causing problems for everybody. There are countries and universities around the world who are going back to physical books and physical way of teaching because e-books, smart boards, they are causing lot of problems. ” In his address, President of FAP Dr Jagjit Singh Dhuri said, “ Private schools are playing a pivotal role in school education. But despite this, the contribution of private schools in India’s transformation in the education sector was ignored and the teachers at private schools were not given due recognition for the crucial role they are playing in providing quality education with utmost dedication and hard work. So, the purpose of FAP awards is to give due recognition to private schools and their teachers in society with these awards. This initiative not only recognizes the efforts of private schools who have reached the pinnacles but also encourages other schools to compete for achievements in the fields of academics, sports, cultural heritage, infrastructure and facilities .” “ We are honoured that FAP has become the only educational federation in the world to award 11001 management members, principals, teaching and non-teaching staff and students from across India with FAP National Awards between 2021 to 2025 for achievements in academic, sports and cultural domains at no financial cots to any recipient. The award for this record was presented to us today by Dr Aravind Lakshminarayanan, CEO of Nobel World Records Private Limited, during inauguration of the 5th edition of the FAP National Awards 2025 which is matter of great joy and satisfaction for us ,” he added. About Chandigarh University Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC. www.cuchd.in
Odisha revises Maoist surrender, rehabilitation policy; enhances financial aid
Odisha's Home Department, in a notification, said, The objective of the surrender and rehabilitation policy is to contain and eradicate left wing extremism in the State
Nayak familys ex-employee mastermind of Baina dacoity
NT Reporter | Panaji Bringing a disturbing trend to the fore, Goa police on Thursday said a former employee of the Nayak family is the mastermind in the Baina dacoity case. The investigation has established that the accused, all originating from Balasore district in Odisha, had adopted a planned modus operandi. The accused would seek [] The post Nayak familys ex-employee mastermind of Baina dacoity appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Taran and family visit Raghurajpur in Odisha, famous for being the home of arts and crafts of various kinds
J&K Cyclists Selected for 30th National Road Cycling Cship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: The Cycling Association of Jammu & Kashmir conducted the official screening at M.A Stadium, Jammu, for selecting cyclists to represent the Union Territory in the 30th National Road Cycling Championship, Odisha, scheduled from December 2 to 6. The screening was conducted under the supervision of Vakeel Singh, In-charge Manager, J&K Sports Council, Om Prakash, General Secretary and Tajinder Singh, Treasurer, Cycling Association of J&K. As per handout issued after evaluating performance, fitness and technical [] The post J&K Cyclists Selected for 30th National Road Cycling Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Droupadi Murmu becomes first President to address Odisha Assembly
During her visit, Ms. Murmu stopped by Room No. 11 of Assembly, which she had occupied as a minister
Odisha Withholds Salaries of 91 Senior Officers Over Unresolved Grievances
Salaries of 91 senior officers of Odisha's Cuttack district, including that of the SP (Rural), were withheld for allegedly failing to resolve public grievances lodged with the CM's Grievance Cell (CMGC), according to official documents.
The Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET), Odisha has released the Round 1 seat allotment result for NEET PG Counselling 2025, enabling candidates to check their MD, MS, and DNB allocations on dmetodisha.in. Allotted students must report for document verification on November 29 and 30. The result includes key personal and academic details essential for completing the admission process.
KFRI signs MoU with Odisha Bamboo Development Agency
The MoU marks the beginning of a long-term partnership built on scientific collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a shared vision for transforming the bamboo sector.
RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of police on 29-30 November at the Indian Institute of Management, Nava Raipur. The three-day conference, scheduled to commence from November 28 (Friday) aims to review the progress achieved in addressing key policing challenges so far and to outline a forward-looking roadmap for building a Surakshit Bharat in alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat. Held under the overarching theme Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions, the conference will host detailed deliberations on key security issues such as left-wing extremism, counter terrorism, disaster management, womens safety, and the use of forensic science and artificial intelligence in policing. The PM will also confer the Presidents Police Medals for Distinguished Service. According to the senior officials, the M1 and M11 sections of the newly constructed Speaker House in Naya Raipur have been designated as the vital nerve centre, serving as the stay for the PM Modi and union home minister Amit Shah. The conference will be attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Ministers of State (Home Affairs), DGPs of States/UTs and Heads of Central Police Organisations. The conference will be a vital interactive platform for senior police officials and security administrators from across the country to engage in open and meaningful exchanges on a wide range of national security issues. It also facilitates the discussion of operational, infrastructural, and welfare-related challenges faced by the Police forces, along with the formulation and sharing of professional practices in addressing crime, maintaining law and order, and responding to internal security threats. PM Modi has consistently taken a keen interest in such annual conferences, encouraging candid discussions and fostering an environment where fresh ideas on policing can emerge. Business sessions, break-out interactions and thematic dining table discussions offer participants an opportunity to share their perspectives directly with the Prime Minister on critical internal security and policy matters. Since 2014, the format of the DGP/IG Conference has undergone continuous upgradation under the PMs guidance, including hosting it at diverse locations across the country. The conference has so far been held in Guwahati (Assam), Rann of Kutch (Gujarat), Hyderabad (Telangana), Tekanpur (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh), Statue of Unity (Kevadiya, Gujarat), Pune (Maharashtra), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), New Delhi and Jaipur (Rajasthan) and Bhubaneswar (Odisha). Continuing this tradition, the 60th Conference is being organized this year in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Air pollution levels across north India are significantly higher than national average: Report
CHANDIGARH: The air pollution levels across North India are significantly higher than the national average as per the latest report released by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), an independent research organisation. The report stated that Delhi, along with Punjab, Assam and Tripura, was identified as a year-round pollution hotspot failing to meet PM 2.5 standard even during the monsoons. On the other hand, the southern states recorded the lowest values. The report titled, Beyond City Limits: A Satellite-Based PM-2.5 Assessment Across Indias Airsheds, States and Districts, stated that all the 23 districts of Punjab, 22 of Haryana and 12 of Himachal Pradesh exceeded the annual National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 40 ug/m3 for PM 2.5 concentration last year. During summer, winter and post-monsoon periods, PM 2.5 concentrations exceeded the NAAQS limits in these states. During the monsoon, 15 out of 23 districts in Punjab, 5 out of 22 in Haryana and 2 out of 12 districts in Himachal Pradesh exceeded the air quality limit. It read, Delhi recorded the highest pollution levels with an annual mean PM 2.5 concentration of 101 g/m, 2.5 times the Indian standard and 20 times the World Health Organisation (WHO). The pollution crisis extends across northern India, with the average PM 2.5 concentrations in all states in these regions, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). This concentration of pollution aligns with their location in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The eastern and northeastern states showed similarly concerning levels, with PM 2.5 average concentrations in Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh all above the NAAQS. Among western states, the mean concentrations in Rajasthan and Gujarat exceeded the annual national standard, it added. While the southern states presented the lowest PM 2.5 values, Puducherry recorded the lowest concentration at 25 g/m, followed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Sikkim, Telangana, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. The report stated that Delhi consistently ranks as the most polluted city across all seasons, highlighting the capital's year-round air quality crisis. While Chandigarh appears in the top five during three seasons (winter, summer, and post-monsoon), West Bengal also ranks among the worst across the winter and post-monsoon seasons. Punjab and Haryana emerged as major air-pollution concerns, with Punjab during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods and Haryana during the summer and post-monsoon periods. The northeastern states present an unexpected pollution hotspot, with Assam and Tripura featuring in the top five in three seasons (winter, summer, and monsoon). Overall, 60 per cent of districts (447 out of 749) exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for annual PM 2.5. None of the districts met the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline of less than 5 g/m. The most polluted districts are heavily concentrated in a few states, highlighting regional clustering of severe air quality issues. Delhi (11 districts) and Assam (11 districts) alone account for nearly half of the top 50, followed by Bihar (7) and Haryana (7). Other notable contributors include Uttar Pradesh (4), Tripura (3), Rajasthan (2), West Bengal (2), and single districts from Chandigarh, Meghalaya and Nagaland, it reads. It further added, Several states are in universal non-compliance, where all monitored districts exceed the NAAQS. These include Delhi, Assam, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Jammu and Kashmir. Several other states show a large majority of districts breaching the norm, such as Bihar (37 of 38), West Bengal (22 of 23), Gujarat (32 of 33), Nagaland (11 of 12), Rajasthan (30 of 33), and Jharkhand (21 of 24). A second group shows mixed performance, where some districts meet the standard but many continue to exceed it. This includes Uttar Pradesh (49 of 75 districts exceeding), Odisha (22 of 30), Madhya Pradesh (27 of 52), and Maharashtra (14 of 36). In the Northeast, Arunachal Pradesh (12 exceed, 13 comply) and Manipur (five exceed, 11 comply) also fall in this transitional category. At the other end of the spectrum, several states have the majority of their districts below NAAQS, such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Sikkim, Goa, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These contrasting patterns highlight the continued dominance of northern and eastern states in Indias PM 2.5 pollution hotspots, while southern and coastal regions remain relatively cleaner. The report stated that the states should develop district-level air quality action plans, guided by satellite data to identify hotspots, prioritise high-exposure populations, and allocate mitigation resources efficiently. The satellite-derived PM 2.5 data should be formally integrated into NCAP for spatially comprehensive assessment and performance tracking. Also, establishing protocols for validation, periodic updates, and public dissemination of satellite-based estimates will strengthen transparency and enable real-time decision-making in areas lacking ground monitors.
Droupadi Murmu set to become first President to address Odisha Assembly
President Droupadi Murmu will address the Odisha Assembly on Thursday, marking the first time a sitting President has spoken in the House. She begins a two-day visit to her home state with several key engagements
According to reports, the man used to study with the woman in Balasore and the two reconnected last year on social media.
Former England football captain and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir David Beckham visited an MJPAPBCWREIS residential school for girls in Visakhapatnam today to see Project-Based Learning (PBL) in action. His visit is part of a wider Mantra4Change programme supported by Education Above All that is improving classrooms across Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Nagaland. Sir David Beckham with students of MJPAPBCWREIS residential school in Visakhapatnam Sir David’s visit, confirmed in a social media update posted late on Wednesday night, brought national attention to a hands-on approach to schooling that places student projects, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving at the centre of learning. Mantra4Change, in partnership with the MJP Society and supported by Education Above All (EAA), has redesigned teaching and learning in 107 residential schools across Andhra Pradesh, reaching roughly 18,000 students and building the capacity of 107 school leaders. The PBL programme has been integrated across English, Mathematics, and Science, turning traditional classrooms into active learning spaces where students learn by doing, collaborate on projects, and present solutions to community problems. On the ground in Visakhapatnam During his visit, Sir David met with students and teachers at the school, observing how Project-Based Learning comes alive in everyday classrooms. He began by sitting in on a live PBL session before being guided by students to a small exhibition where children presented projects across English, Mathematics, and Science. He also joined a group of students for a tree-planting activity, where children demonstrated how they scan and label saplings with digital IDs. In the school library, Sir David participated in a reading circle and spoke with children about their favourite books. The visit concluded outdoors, where students invited him to join a lively ‘one-touch’ football drill. School leaders shared how these varied activities reflect the PBL approach, boosting student confidence, encouraging collaboration, and helping children connect learning with real-life contexts. In his Instagram post, Sir David said, “ Great day in India going back to school supporting Education Above All’s project based learning initiatives so much fun .” “ It gives us great joy that Sir David Beckham chose to visit one of our MJP schools. It’s a proud moment for all of us in the MJP society. His presence at our school in a place like Kothavalasa is a beautiful reminder that when we work with the right intent and dedication, extraordinary things can happen. Project-based Learning has energised our classrooms, and we hope to keep nurturing this spirit of learning ,” said P. Madhavi Latha, Secretary, MJPAPBCWREIS. Project-Based Learning shifts the focus from rote recall to applied understanding. It builds transferable skills, communication, critical thinking, creativity, while lifting measurable academic outcomes. The Mantra4Change-EAA partnership is an example of how targeted support, teacher development and curriculum redesign can scale classroom practices across states. Santosh More, Co-Founder of Mantra4Change , said, “ Sir David Beckham’s visit is an inspiration for all of us and a powerful signal that innovation in our government schools matters. Project-Based Learning is raising children’s aspirations, and moments like this strengthen our resolve to work with governments and communities to make such learning the norm .” The visit also adds fresh momentum to Shikshagraha, a people-powered national movement being co-built by Mantra4Change that is working to improve one million public schools across India. Sir David’s presence and public endorsement of innovative classroom practices like Project-Based Learning strengthens the movement’s core message: that communities, teachers, governments and civil society must come together to transform everyday schooling. The visibility generated by this visit helps amplify Shikshagraha’s call for collective action and accelerates its efforts to ensure every child in a public school has access to meaningful, engaging and future-ready learning. About Mantra4Change Mantra4Change is a non-profit organisation transforming public schools in India through educational leadership. Our approach involves driving continuous school improvements by empowering education leaders, transforming schools to create an enriching learning experience, and inspiring civil society organisations across India to collectively work towards transformation in education. We aim to drive sustainable, continuous school improvements across 150,000 schools by 2025.
David Beckhams visit in Visakhapatnam school highlights classroom innovation
The initiative is a part of a wider programme of the Mantra4Change supported by Education Above All aimed at improving classrooms across Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and Nagaland
Droupadi Murmu to become first President to address Odisha Assembly
The President will visit the chamber in the State Assembly where she used to sit as a Minister
Baina dacoity case: Six nabbed in Odisha, Mumbai
Vasco: Mormugao police have arrested six of the dacoits involved in the daring Baina dacoity at Nayak familys flat, with police officers confirming that the accused were traced to Odisha, Mumbai in Maharashtra and other locations. The arrested accused are expected to be brought to Goa late Wednesday night or Thursday morning. According to police, [] The post Baina dacoity case: Six nabbed in Odisha, Mumbai appeared first on The Navhind Times .
President Murmus Emotional Homecoming As She Becomes First President To Address Odisha Assembly
Visit to her old ministerial chamber adds a personal touch to a historic opening of the Winter Session: Reports
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | RuthlessRahaneorchestrates Mumbais thumping win
The former skipper smashes a belligerent half-century as the defending champion runs over Railways; ton-up Kunnummal and Samson make merry in Keralas romp against Odisha
SWASTHYA KIRAN: HURL Partners with The Art of Living to Transform Diagnostic Healthcare in Odisha
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s healthcare landscape, Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Art of Living Social Projects to implement Project SWASTHYA KIRAN - an initiative aimed at enhancing diagnostic healthcare services in Odisha. A step towards better healthcare in Odisha, blessed by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Signing the MoU for Project SWASTHYA KIRAN The MoU was signed by Shri Chaman Jaggi, Vice President, HR & CSR, HURL, and Br. Pragyachaitanya, Chairman, The Art of Living Social Projects and witnessed by Dr Siba Prasad Mohanty, MD, HURL. The moment was blessed by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, whose commitment to accessible, compassionate healthcare continues to inspire service initiatives across the nation. Revolutionising Diagnostics with Advanced CT Imaging Under the partnership, a proposal has been rolled out for the procurement and installation of a state-of-the-art Revolution™ Aspire Select CT Scanner at the Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital (SSCASRH) in Cuttack, Odisha. Operating from the Sri Sri University campus in Bidyadharpur, SSCASRH is poised to evolve into a key diagnostic centre for the region. The introduction of this advanced CT system will dramatically expand the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and treat critical conditions, supporting specialties such as neurology, cardiology, oncology, trauma care, emergency medicine. This transformative upgrade is expected to benefit thousands of patients annually, particularly those facing life-threatening conditions like stroke, trauma, and cancer - situations where time is often the deciding factor. Addressing Odisha’s Urgent Diagnostic Gaps Odisha continues to grapple with serious gaps in diagnostic healthcare, including: Limited availability of CT scanners Long waiting times for diagnostic imaging One of India’s lowest hospital-bed ratios Patients traveling 2 to 4 hours for essential scans For emergency cases, these delays can escalate risks dramatically. Project SWASTHYA KIRAN seeks to bridge these gaps by creating timely, accessible, and affordable diagnostic services for more than 1.5 lakh residents across 50+ surrounding villages. Impact at a Glance The installation of the Revolution™ Aspire Select CT Scanner will: Reduce waiting time and travel. Patients will receive faster access to essential imaging - especially vital for emergency scenarios such as stroke and trauma. Provide affordable, high-quality diagnostics The facility will offer cost-effective CT scanning services, minimising financial strain on rural and underserved communities. Strengthen hospital readiness for emergencies. Enhanced imaging capacity will empower doctors to diagnose swiftly, intervene earlier, and improve patient outcomes. A Step Toward Health Equity Through this collaboration, HURL and The Art of Living Social Projects reaffirm their shared commitment to community well-being. SWASTHYA KIRAN marks a new chapter of reassurance - bringing cutting-edge diagnostic healthcare closer to the people who need it most. About The Art of Living Social Projects The Art of Living, founded by humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is committed to transforming lives through community-centred initiatives. Working across healthcare, conservation of water resources, education, women’s empowerment, and environmental restoration, it partners with governments, NGOs, corporations, and local communities to bring meaningful change. Through its compassionate, service-driven approach, The Art of Living continues to strengthen well-being and nurture a culture of peace and responsibility worldwide. www.instagram.com/artofliving.sp/ www.facebook.com/artoflivingsocialprojects x.com/artofliving_sp www.linkedin.com/showcase/artofliving-sp
Odisha Police Seize High-Decibel Bikes in Crackdown on Illegal Silencers
Commissionerate Police introduce strict on-spot seizure policy after rising public complaints and death linked to noise pollution.
An SBI branch in Odishas Bhadrak district forced customers and staff to use a ladder mounted on a tractor after its staircase was demolished for encroachment. Viral video sparks safety concerns and online reactions.
Odisha: SBI Customers Forced to Use Ladder After Staircase Demolished
The branch was left without an entry point after its staircase was demolished during an anti-encroachment drive, cutting off access to the first-floor office.
ASI firms up framework to end excavation delays
NEW DELHI: Learning from years of stalled excavations and delayed reports, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is preparing a structured framework to ensure that major archaeological projects no longer hinge on individual officers or collapse when they are transferred or retire. The proposed guidelines, officials said, will clearly define objectives for every excavation, establish continuity regardless of personnel changes, and impose stricter accountability across branches. At present, excavations often run on the initiative of individual officials. When one leaves, there is no coordination and the next person starts work in a completely different way, an official familiar with the plan said. These are long-term projects and must have defined goals. Once the mechanism is in place, archaeological work, excavations or museum projects will continue seamlessly, and the scope can be expanded or reduced as needed. A key focus of the overhaul is fixing the weak link that has plagued ASI for decades, the preparation and publication of excavation reports. In several cases, findings have not been submitted to ASI headquarters for years after fieldwork ended. To address this, ASI plans to enforce firm deadlines. Excavators have been told to submit a primary report within three months of completing fieldwork, supported by fortnightly updates. Analytical components that require laboratory testing can follow later. Annual reports, officials said, must also be filed on schedule and full project reports completed within three years. The Survey currently has over 20 active excavation sites, supported by six dedicated excavation branches in Nagpur, Delhi, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Vadodara and Mysore. Recent work includes the fortified ancient city at Vadnagar in Gujarat, Rakhigarhi in Haryana, and Hastinapur in Uttar Pradesh. To avoid the chronic post-fieldwork gaps that slow down documentation, excavation teams will now be required to remain on site for additional days after digging concludes. Surveyors, archaeologists, photographers, they come from different units. Once they disperse, coordination becomes difficult. The team must stay together to finish preliminary records and compile the basic report, an official said. Between 2014 and 2024, the Modi government allocated Rs 9,652 crore to ASI, including Rs 63.27 crore specifically for excavations. Major digs during this period, Rakhigarhi in Haryana, Sinauli in Uttar Pradesh, Keezhadi in Tamil Nadu, remain without published official reports. Excavators have presented findings at conferences and in interviews, but the formal documentation is still absent. In 2023, ASI told a Rajya Sabha standing committee it had received 11 reports from Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, but all of them were still under vetting. The committee urged ASI to expedite the process and make the reports public. New mandate ASI has over 20 active excavation sites, supported by six dedicated branches. Excavators to submit a primary report within three months of completing fieldwork, supported by fortnightly updates. Excavation teams required to remain on site after digging concludes, to finish preliminary records and compile basic report. Annual reports to be filed on schedule and full project reports completed within 3 yrs. From 2014 to 2024, the Modi govt allocated Rs 9,652 cr to ASI, including Rs 63.27 cr for excavations.
Odisha CM Hands Over Appointment Letters To 7,293 Recruits Across 12 Key Departments
The fresh appointments span 12 crucial government departments, including school and mass education, forest, agriculture, fisheries, commerce and transport, and labour.
Odisha CM hands over 7,293 appointment letters
Against the target of providing 65,000 government jobs within two years, the Odisha government has appointed 37,325 persons in just 17 months, Mohan Majhi said
Indian researchers discover natural colon cancer treatment
Long Pepper, not only spices up Indian cuisine but has the potential to treat Colon Cancer. According to a consortia of researchers led by the National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela), Odisha, Piperlongumine, an active compound of long pepper (pippali/thippili/maghaun) is effective in treating colon cancer cells. Colon cancer is a disease in which 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 .
Wanted To Return: Odisha Teen Says Her Charges Against US Mother Are Fake
After accusing an American citizen who adopted her of physical and mental torture, a woman on Tuesday claimed that she had made false allegations against her US mother simply to return to Odisha.
Kashmir Shivers As Cold Wave Intensifies, Fog Disrupts Visibility Across Several States
Kashmir faces an intense cold wave with Srinagar at minus 3.1C and Shopian at minus 5.4C. Zojila Pass drops to minus 16C. Dense fog affects Nagaland, Manipur and Odisha
Tiruvallur police arrest two persons, bust inter-State ganja supply chain
The police say a few individuals, originally from Tamil Nadu, who work in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, have been assisting persons from Tamil Nadu and Kerala procure ganja by acting as intermediaries between cultivators/suppliers and inter-State buyers
Odisha: BJD MP Debasish Rejects Party Post, Calls It Humiliating
The letter has sparked conversations in political circles about growing unease within the party following its electoral setback and ongoing restructuring
Odisha: 'Time For Naveen Patnaik to Leave Active Politics, Pass on Baton'
The BJD coming third in the recently held Nuapada Assembly bypoll shows that the electorate have rejected an ailing Patnaik and his party.
Odisha cabinet approves key amendments to CGL, CHSL recruitment rules
The Odisha Cabinet has approved amendments to recruitment examination rules, including adding the Junior Forensic Assistant post to a combined higher secondary level examination. Further changes were made to graduate level recruitment rules, adding four new posts for Group B and C services and modifying the Special Sports and Services Rules.
Girl Kidnapped, Raped By 5 On Her Way To College In Odisha
A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and later gang-raped by her friend and his four associates while she was on her way to college in Odisha, officials said.
President Murmu Visit: Odisha Deploys Four-Tier Security Grid
The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police has put in place a dedicated three-tier arrangement, supplemented by Presidents Bodyguard (PBG) commandos and other specialised units
Man sentenced to death for murdering pregnant woman in Alappuzha
Prabeesh, 36, of Nilambur convicted for murdering Anitha Sasidharan of Punnapra. Court also finds Rejani, 38, of Kainakary guilty, but her sentence is not pronounced as she is in a jail in Odisha
Missing Odisha Lawyers Car Found in Village Pond After 90 Days
The vehicle, an Alto, was found on Monday morning when residents noticed a tyre sticking out of the water
A court in Kerala's Alappuzha sentences key accused Prabeesh to death in Anitha murder case of 2021
ALAPPUZHA: The Alappuzha Additional Sessions CourtIII on Monday awarded death penalty to the first accused in the Anitha murder case that took place in Kainakari. Prabeesh (37), of Pookodan House, Nilambur, was sentenced to death for the murder of Anitha (32), of Thekkemadam House, Punnapra South panchayat. Rajani (38), of Pathissery House, Thottuvathala, Kainakari, is the second accused in the case. A close friend of Prabeesh, she is currently lodged in an Odisha jail in connection with an NDPS case. Judge M Shuhaib directed the prosecution to produce her in court on November 29 on the basis of a production warrant, after which the quantum of punishment to Rajani will be pronounced. According to the prosecution, Prabeesh strangled Anitha to death while engaging in sexual intercourse, with the intent of removing her from his life so he could continue living with Rajani. A driver by profession, Prabeesh had been cohabiting with Rajani. The murder was allegedly executed at Rajanis house on July 7, 2021. Prosecution reports state that Anitha became unconscious after being strangled. Believing she had died, the accused transported her body in a country boat to Pallathuruthy and dumped it in the canal near the Arayanthodu bridge. Local residents discovered the body the next evening. Initially registered as a case of unnatural death, the woman remained unidentified until Anithas brother recognised the body the following day. A postmortem examination revealed injuries to the throat and damage to the thyroid gland, raising suspicion among doctors, who alerted the police. An analysis of Anithas mobile phone data showed that the last call came from Prabeesh. Further investigation traced his phone location to Kainakari, and records indicated online transactions made using the device. Police later arrested both Prabeesh and Rajani, who reportedly confessed to the crime. Anitha, who was married and the mother of two children, had separated from her husband Aneesh and was living with Prabeesh at Rajanis house. She became pregnant, and attempts by the accused to terminate the pregnancy allegedly failed. This led to escalating conflict, ultimately resulting in the murder, according to the prosecution. The prosecution further stated that after Anitha fell unconscious, the accused placed her body in a fibre boat, intending to abandon it in the middle of the lake. However, the boat capsized, and the body drifted away before washing ashore at Arayanthodu bridge. The court examined 82 witnesses out of a total of 112, and reviewed 131 documents, including the fibre boat used in the crime. The investigation was led by Nedumudi SHO A V Biju, while government pleader N B Shari represented the prosecution.
Cyclone 'Senyar': A low-pressure area over the Strait of Malacca is expected to intensify into cyclonic storm 'Senyar' by November 26. The system is forecast to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, leading to school holidays. Coastal Odisha may also experience rainfall between November 25 and 27.
GPS Goes Silent: Cabbage-Laden Truck From MP Plunges Into Gorge in Odisha; 3 Injured
The navigation app reportedly went offline because of network disruption
Structure collapses, two workers killed near Neelankarai
CHENNAI: Two migrant workers from Odisha fell to death when a structure they were dismantling at an old granite company collapsed at Vettuvankeni near Neelankarai on Saturday afternoon. The police said the workers identified as M Babu Malik (32) and B Sasikanth Malik (42) were part of a team engaged in removing metal sheets from the roof and iron support structures at a building in the site. According to police sources, Babu and Sasikanth were positioned on the elevated portion of the structure, causing them to lose balance and fall during the collapse. Babu suffered severe head injury, while Sasikanth sustained multiple injuries. Co-workers rushed them to Government Royapettah Hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead. Senior police officials said a case has been registered to identify the cause of the collapse and to find if there was negligence on anyones part.
Two migrant workers from Odisha die after falling from roof
