Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled States Meet Vice President Radhakrishnan
New Delhi, May 28: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Dev met Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday. The Vice Presidents office shared this information along with photographs. In a post on the social media platform X, the Vice Presidents office stated that Bihars Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary ... Read more Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled States Meet Vice President Radhakrishnan
Odisha Police Arrests Individual in 6.88 Crore SBI Loan Fraud Case
Bhubaneswar, May 28: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Odisha Police has arrested an individual in connection with a 6.88 crore bank loan fraud case. This was confirmed by a senior officer on Thursday. The accused, Pradeep Kumar Lenka, a resident of Cuttack, was apprehended by the EOW on Wednesday in Bhubaneswar. The arrest is ... Read more Odisha Police Arrests Individual in 6.88 Crore SBI Loan Fraud Case
Activists urge Centre to reject expert panels nod to Odishas Sijimali mine
Mining at Sijimali threatens to destroy the Panichida-Shuagad river and more than one hundred perennial streams, say activists; term recommendation favouring Vedanta unjust
Shukla Retained As Bengal Mens Head Coach; Tiwary, Saha, Majumdar Named Age-group Coaches
Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy: The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has retained former India all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla as head coach of the Bengal senior mens team for the 202627 domestic cricket season, while appointing former Maharashtra batter Surendra Bhave as his deputy. The CAB had invited applications for a broader set of coaching roles on April 24, sparking speculation that Shuklas tenure might end after Bengal were beaten in the Ranji Trophy semi-finals by eventual champions Jammu and Kashmir in Kalyani. But the CAB confirmed his continuation on Thursday after an independent screening process was over, comprising a panel of Arun Lal, Devang Gandhi, and Kalyan Choudhury. The evaluation was conducted strictly independently through comprehensive interviews, ensuring a fair, meritbased and unbiased selection process, it said in a statement. Shukla, who has been in charge of the Bengal senior mens team since 2022, guided Bengal to playing the Ranji Trophy final in 2022/23 and two semifinals. Bhave, who made 7,971 runs from 97 first-class matches at an average of 58.18, brings vast coaching experience and was also a member of the selection committee who picked the 2011 Mens ODI World Cup winning team. Bhave, who will additionally serve as the teams batting consultant, has previously coached Maharashtra, Punjab, and Odisha in domestic cricket. For the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy, Bengal is placed alongside Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Services, Gujarat, Kerala, Delhi, and Odisha. For the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, Bengal are in Group A alongside reigning champions Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Baroda, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Karnataka, and Mizoram. For the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Bengal are in Group D with Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tripura, Odisha, Assam, and Pondicherry. Bhave, who will additionally serve as the teams batting consultant, has previously coached Maharashtra, Punjab, and Odisha in domestic cricket. For the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy, Bengal is placed alongside Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Services, Gujarat, Kerala, Delhi, and Odisha. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Anustup Majumdar, who played 103 first-class matches and scored 5,962 runs at an average of 41.40 for Bengal, has retired after a 22year career to take charge as the mens under-16 head coach and will be assisted by Gautam Shome (Jr). Article Source: IANS
Odisha Police Officer Suspended for Assaulting Woman at Police Station
Bhubaneswar, May 28: A police officer in Odishas Kendrapara district has been suspended following allegations of assaulting a married woman and her son. Reports indicate that the officer wiped the womans sindoor, a significant symbol in Hindu tradition, from her forehead, an act deemed highly disrespectful. The victim, Annapurna Mandal, filed a complaint on Tuesday ... Read more Odisha Police Officer Suspended for Assaulting Woman at Police Station
Andhra Pradesh officials say Odisha blocking census collection in Kotia villages
Tribal Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani has asked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to protect the people of the disputed Kotia villages, where Odisha officials have reportedly stopped Andhra Pradesh staff from collecting census data
Odisha's Migrant Worker Donates Ancestral Land For Village Crematorium
Gaurang Jena from Bhadrak district has emerged as a local hero after donating 16 decimals of family land.
JSW Group commences construction of mega steel project in Odisha
The new steel plant is coming up at the place where South Korean steel major POSCO had once proposed a mega project
Odisha Govt Freezes Transfer of Election Officials Ahead of SIR
The directive was issued by Chief Secretary Anu Garg through an official note circulated to all departments following instructions from the ECI
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that Vedanta's proposed projects, valued over Rs 1 lakh crore, will undergo fortnightly reviews to ensure swift execution. These initiatives, including a new alumina refinery and aluminium smelter, aim to significantly boost Odisha's economy and infrastructure, creating numerous jobs and positioning the state as a global aluminium hub.
Odisha: Vedantas Rs.1 Lakh Crore Projects to be Reviewed Every 15 days: Mohan Majhi
The land allocation for the proposed power plant, aluminium smelter and alumina refinery has already been completed, while supporting infrastructure development is progressing steadily: Govt
Bank holiday today: Banks in several Indian states are closed today, May 28, 2026, in observance of Bakri ID (Id-Uz-Zuha). While branch services are unavailable in affected regions, digital banking remains accessible. The holiday is observed as per the RBI's state-wise calendar, with exceptions in Odisha, Sikkim, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Odisha Govt Warns Illegal Bangladeshi Infiltrators; BJD Terms Issue Minor
The state administration had begun the identification process last year and several alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators had already been deported: Reports
Odisha CM Lays Foundation Stone for Rs 65,000-Crore JSW Steel Project; 32,000 Jobs Expected
He claimed that administrative bottlenecks delaying the project were removed after the new government took charge
Hopeful JSW's Rs 65,000 cr steel plant will be completed by 2029, to boost industrialisation: Majhi
Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is optimistic that JSW's massive Rs 65,000 crore integrated steel plant near Paradip will be operational by 2029. This mega project marks a significant step in the state's industrialisation. The plant will have an initial capacity of 13.2 MTPA and is expected to create substantial employment and economic opportunities for the people of Odisha.
Retrenchment of 15,000 contract workers sparks unrest in Odisha, BMS seeks CMs intervention
Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh alleges retrenchments were carried out by four power distribution companies operating under Tata Power in Odisha in the name of cost-cutting.
Severe weather conditions grips Vidarbha for 16th day as IMD issues red alert
A trough extending from northwest Uttar Pradesh to south coastal Odisha is also influencing weather conditions across central India, including parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and adjoining regions
JSW Steel kicks off Rs 65,000 crore greenfield steel project in Odisha
JSW Steel has launched a massive Rs 65,000 crore steel project in Odisha. This 13.2 million tonne per annum integrated steel plant will be developed in phases at Paradeep. The project is strategically located on Odisha's coastline. It will offer strong port connectivity and efficient access to raw materials. This development aims to serve both domestic and international markets.
West Bengal TMC MLA Dilip Mondal was arrested in Puri, Odisha on Wednesday. Police apprehended him following a complaint about provocative remarks made during a victory rally. Mondal was reportedly staying at a hotel. He is being brought to Kolkata on transit remand. A video of his alleged threats to BJP workers went viral. Searches were conducted at his properties.
Odisha Rajya Sabha By-Election Scheduled for June 18 Following Resignation of Debashish Samantaray
Bhubaneswar, May 27: The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the dates for the by-election to fill the vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Odisha on Wednesday. This seat became vacant after Debashish Samantarays resignation. Samantaray resigned from both the BJD and the Rajya Sabha on Monday. According to the schedule released by the Election Commission, ... Read more Odisha Rajya Sabha By-Election Scheduled for June 18 Following Resignation of Debashish Samantaray
Odisha: Rajya Sabha bypoll to seat vacated by Samantaray to be held on June 18
The Election Commission announced a bypoll for a Rajya Sabha seat from Odisha on June 18. Debashish Samantaray resigned from the BJD and the Rajya Sabha, subsequently joining the BJP. The notification will be issued on June 1, with nominations closing on June 8. Voting will occur on June 18 if multiple candidates contest.
Odisha PSC Announces OCS-2024 Results: 200 Candidates Pass Exam
Bhubaneswar, May 26: The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) announced the results of the Odisha Civil Services Examination-2024 on Tuesday. A total of 200 candidates successfully passed the exam, including 78 women. The announcement has brought joy to the successful candidates and their families. According to the notification released by the commission, among the selected ... Read more Odisha PSC Announces OCS-2024 Results: 200 Candidates Pass Exam
GRP constable lynching: Main accused arrested in Odisha
GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain was allegedly tied to a pole and beaten to death by a mob in Bhingarpur-Kaja in the Balianta police station area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on May 7
Ex-BJD MP Debashish Samantaray joins BJP, a day after quitting regional party
While defections are likely to intensify in coming months in Odisha ahead of local polls in 2027, the BJD, a strong Opposition, will not be easily steamrolled on the ground; he was welcomed in the presence of BJP national president Nitin Nabin and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi
Former BJD MP Debashish Samantaray Joins BJP After Resigning from Rajya Sabha
His induction marks yet another setback for the BJD, which has been witnessing internal unrest and a series of defections following its defeat in the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections.
L&T wins orders from JSW Utkal Steel, IWAI, others
NEW DELHI, May 26: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Tuesday said it has secured multiple orders in India, including a contract from JSW Utkal Steel Ltd and two projects from Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). The orders have been bagged by L&T GeoStructure, a wholly-owned subsidiary of L&T. JSW Utkal Steela subsidiary of JSW Steel has placed a contract for piling work at its steel plant project in Paradeep, Odisha. Piling work is the deep foundation job where long [] The post L&T wins orders from JSW Utkal Steel, IWAI, others appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Odisha may attract Rs 25,000-30,000 cr in power investments after policy shift
BHUBANESWAR, May 26: Odisha could attract investments worth Rs 25,000-30,000 crore in the power sector over the next six to 12 months after the state moved to align with the Centres policy on concessional power allocation from thermal plants, an industry body official said. The state government is set to mandate the supply of 5 per cent of capacity from newly commissioned thermal power plants at variable charges, replacing its earlier policy that required developers to allocate 12-14 per cent [] The post Odisha may attract Rs 25,000-30,000 cr in power investments after policy shift appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Hari Babu Kambhampati takes oath as Odisha Governor
Orissa High Court Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh administered the oath of office to Mr. Kambhampati in the presence of CM Majhi and the Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik.
Six Die of Suspected Toxic Gas Inhalation Inside Septic Tank in Odishas Kalahandi
Locals rushed to the spot after hearing cries for help and launched rescue efforts before police and fire services personnel arrived. All the victims were later pulled out and shifted to a nearby hospital.
Builder Falls Inside Septic Tank In Odisha, 5 Enter To Rescue Him, All Die
Six people died of suspected asphyxiation inside a septic tank under construction in Odisha.
Workers die of suspected asphyxiation inside under-construction septic tank in Odishas Kalahandi
Kalahandi Collector Sachin Pawer said the district administration has released 30,000 each to the family members of the deceased for their last rites
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 3 inspected the triple train accident site at Bahanaga in Odishas Balasore district
south-west-monsoon-delayed-when-the-rain-is-set-to-arrive
The Indian Meteorological Department had predicted that the monsoon would begin in Kerala around May 26. However, weak winds and hot weather conditions on Tuesday have raised uncertainty over rain arriving in the rest of the country by June 1. The department had said that conditions were favourable for monsoon onset only in some parts of the Arabian Sea. The south-west monsoon is expected to enter he state now only between June 5 and 10. The reported delay is in the wake of El Nios impact. The movement of the monsoon slowed down, and it is predicted that there will be less rainfall this year. For the rains to be categorised as monsoon, at least 60 per cent of 14 weather stations in Kerala must record rainfall measuring 2.5 mm or more over two consecutive days alongside specific wind and cloud coverage. Meanwhile, many parts of the country have been reeling under the hot conditions for the past few days. Temperatures in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, for example, crossed 46.5 degree celcius on Monday. Deaths due to heatstroke were also reported in the state, with a red alert being issued for the adverse conditions. A red alert was issued for Odisha, East Madhya Pradesh and East Uttar Pradesh due to the sweltering heat. A yellow alert was issued in Delhi for excessive heat on Tuesday. Despite the delayed onset of monsoon, the IMD predicted that there would be light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep from May 26 to 29. A yellow alert has been issued for Kerala and Lakshadweep over the next four days. There will also be light to moderate rainfall in isolated parts of Tamil Nadu, interior Karnataka, North Interior Karnataka, Telangana, Rayalaseema, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh during the same period. This will be accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Coastal Maharashtra and Goa are also set for similar conditions.
Odisha: Two Accused Injured in Police Encounter in Sudhir Patra Murder Case
The injured accused were identified as Ranjan Mallik from the Nuagaon police station area and Saroj Panda from the Hinjilicut police station area
BJD MP Debashish Samantaray quits party, resigns from Rajya Sabha
Odisha's Biju Janata Dal faces another blow as senior leader Debashish Samantaray resigns. He cited feeling sidelined within the party. Samantaray has also submitted his resignation from the Rajya Sabha. He is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party tomorrow. This move reduces the BJD's strength in the Upper House. The induction ceremony will see key BJP leaders present.
The agreement, signed on May 25, is expected to serve as a performance framework for OHPC during FY 202627: Reports
Two-Year-Old Boy Dies After Falling Into Unattended Pit In Odishas Keonjhar
The deceased child was identified as Anil, son of Arun Khandei of the village under Hatadihi block and Soso police limits: Reports
Odisha CM Meets PM Modi, Discusses Infrastructure, Investment And Welfare Initiatives
The Chief Minister also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to attend the celebrations marking two years of the BJP governments tenure in Odisha: Reports
State-owned NTPC is exploring new nuclear power projects. Site selection studies have begun in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha. This initiative is part of NTPC's extensive 30 GW nuclear energy plan. The company aims to contribute significantly to India's ambitious nuclear capacity target. Investments will be substantial, spanning multiple states. NTPC is diversifying its energy portfolio.
opinion-when-communities-become-the-first-line-of-defence-for-missing-children
A few years back, in the narrow lanes of North West Delhis resettlement colonies, children going missing was very common and was treated almost as an unfortunate fact of life. Families struggling to survive on daily wages often had little time, support, or institutional access to respond when a child suddenly went missing. In neighbourhoods shaped by continuous migration, overcrowding, economic distress, and social vulnerability, children frequently slipped through the cracks pushed into labour, lured by traffickers, or simply fleeing violence and instability at home. But today, in several of these mohallas of Jahangirpuri, Azadpur Mandi, and Shahbad Dairy, children themselves have become part of an informal vigilance network working to prevent such disappearances. If a child remains absent from school for several days, word spreads quickly through local childrens groups, womens collectives, and community volunteers. Concerns are escalated to the appropriate quarters. And the result? The concerted efforts of CRY Child Rights and You and its partner organisation Saksham created an integrated child surveillance system with the help of children, their family members, and the community an intervention that successfully traced 97 out of 102 missing children and brought them back safely to their families between January 2025 and April 2026. If one of our schoolmates doesnt show up to school for several days, we immediately visit their home, understand the reason, and inform community members and local groups, says a 15-year-old girl associated with one such childrens collective. This is not a formal surveillance mechanism run by local authorities. Children, parents, womens collectives, schools, local organisations, and community volunteers have together built an informal but highly responsive safety net organically embedded within the community to prevent children from disappearing into the shadows of trafficking, exploitation, abuse, or neglect. At a time when India continues to witness a worrying rise in cases related to missing children, this community-driven model emerging from some of Delhis most vulnerable settlements offers an important lesson: Child protection cannot succeed through policing alone. It must be rooted within communities themselves. The scale of the crisis The latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Crime in India 2024 report paints a deeply worrying picture. The number of missing children rose from 1,38,609 in 2023 to 1,47,175 in 2024 an increase of 6.2 per cent. Girls constituted nearly 76 per cent of all missing children, exposing the stark gendered nature of vulnerability. Delhi is no exception. According to the state-wise figures from the NCRB report, West Bengal recorded the highest share of missing children, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, and Delhi. Thousands of children also remain untraced long after complaints are filed. Yet these numbers alone fail to capture the lived realities behind such incidents. Children rarely go missing in a vacuum. Poverty, migration, school dropouts, domestic violence, emotional distress, trafficking networks, unsafe labour conditions and fragile family environments often intersect to create pathways of vulnerability. In urban settlements across Delhi NCR particularly among migrant and economically marginalised communities these risks become even sharper. Families struggling for survival often work long hours in informal jobs, leaving children with little supervision or support. Adolescents, especially girls, become vulnerable to trafficking, coercion, online manipulation, or unsafe relationships. Rebuilding protection from within the community Places like Jahangirpuri, Shahbad Dairy, and areas surrounding Azadpur Mandi have long grappled with the consequences of rapid urbanisation, migration, overcrowding, and economic distress. On-ground interactions with families, police, and Saksham officials reveal that economic insecurity pushed children towards child labour, migration, and exploitation. Parvesh Sehgal, a member of the local Child Vigilance Group, shared, School dropouts, disrupted education, family-based violence layered with unsupervised social media exposure, and unresolved adolescent emotional insecurities often push children to elope or become easy targets for traffickers. He further added, Between January 2025 and April 2026, though many of the children were traced, five children remain untraced, including one boy and four girls. What has changed in parts of North-West Delhi is not merely the efficiency of rescue operations, but the social response surrounding them. The intervention recognised that tracing children is only one part of the challenge. Equally critical are rehabilitation, psychosocial support, reducing the risk of re-trafficking, restoring education, and rebuilding trust within families and communities. The intervention, with the support of local schools, the police, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), worked together to facilitate quick reporting, family counselling, and a coordinated response system. In addition to that, the team carried out door-to-door monitoring and awareness sessions on online safety, emotional well-being, and trafficking. Importantly, children themselves became active participants in the protection ecosystem. Local childrens groups now identify school dropouts, report suspicious activities, support younger children, and alert community members when someone suddenly disappears from school or the neighbourhood. The shift is profound: Children are no longer being treated merely as beneficiaries of protection systems. They are becoming stakeholders in safeguarding their own communities. Schools played a pivotal role not only through re-enrolment and monitoring of children, but also through empathetic support to continue education and enhance agency, creating a conducive environment for children to come out of trauma. One school teacher described the systemic approach succinctly: Special attention is now being given to children with prolonged absenteeism. This has resulted in noticeable improvement in childrens school attendance and regular participation in education. It is evident that prevention and rescue-rehabilitation mechanisms did not rely solely on institutional intervention but also on informed, participatory, community-driven efforts deeply rooted in collective trust and accountability. The way forward To sustain the effort, CRY and Saksham are working with the Vigilance Group and Bal Prahari Group, particularly in vulnerable communities, while strengthening collaboration between civil society, communities, and government departments. They are also conducting awareness drives with parents and organising counselling sessions on child protection, cyber safety, and mental health support for children. But just community initiatives are not all. The fight against missing children also demands active involvement of decentralised governance and community-based institutional systems. Police ward committees, Panchayats, Mohalla Committees, School Management Committees, and local child protection bodies must come forward to play a transformative role in identifying early signs of vulnerability, monitoring school dropouts, strengthening community vigilance, and ensuring faster reporting and response. In both rural and urban poor settlements, these institutions are often the first point of contact for distressed families. If properly sensitised and integrated into child protection frameworks, they can function not merely as administrative structures, but as grassroots safety networks capable of addressing safety of children. It is important that these orchestrated efforts translate into measurable impact rather than remain a series of isolated activities. As such interventions are replicated across other geographies, no more children especially girls should have to sink into vulnerability and trauma. Together, we must act beyond numbers, reports, word-crafts, spreadsheets, and fancy presentations ensuring a safe and happy childhood at the grassroots level for every child will be the real measure of our success as a society and as a nation. Puja Marwaha is CEO, CRY Child Rights and You.
fall-of-rjd-and-congress-in-bihar-what-remains-of-the-opposition-now
The principal opposition party in Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal, went from 81 legislators in 2021 in the Assembly to just 25 in the 2025 Assembly elections, a decline of more than 65 per cent in its strength. The Indian National Congress too suffered a similar slide, shrinking from 19 MLAs to six. The reduced numbers have not only weakened their political standing but also deepened resentment within their ranks. According to political observers, both camps are struggling more with their internal issues than with effectively occupying the opposition space. This has created a vacuum within Bihars Opposition politics. Key leaders at the helm in both the RJD and Congress reportedly do not hold a high opinion of each other, further suggesting a freeze in ties. That makes a collective push against the ruling alliance difficult, especially after the NDAs massive mandate of 202 seats in the 243-member assembly. We have been part of the RJD-led coalition for the past few decades and we dont have a good experience with them, politically as well as electorally. We have lost elections with them and lost our space too. There seemingly has been an informal decoupling, a former Congress MLA said. However, neither side has officially indicated any break in the alliance. With the RJD weakened, some Congress leaders believe this was the right moment for the grand old party to attempt a revival and tap into the emerging vacuum. But the Congress leadership in the state has shown little sign of organisational rebuilding or political aggression that could signal a recovery. Even the BJP-led government in the state sees the Opposition as an incapacitated group, which, according to leaders, has also contributed to the BJP keeping a relatively low profile on its communal politics. It was expected that after the BJP came back, there could be communal posturing, but till now there hasnt been anything like that, a Congress leader said. Earlier, they could not have done it because the BJP was under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and there were direct instructions against any communal activities. While the RJDs more than two decades out of power as the principal opposition party has infused hopelessness among sections of its cadre, the Congress faced a different crisis after the 2025 Assembly elections. A large section of party workers expressed dissatisfaction with the state leadership over ticket distribution, alleging that preference was given to new entrants while old-timers were sidelined. The Congress has also not taken any action against the three cross-voters in the Rajya Sabha elections, unlike in states such as Odisha and Haryana where cross-voting legislators were suspended. Leaders in the state believe disciplinary action is unlikely, as the three MLAs constitute nearly half of the partys current Assembly strength.
bengaluru-to-receive-rainfall-until-friday-coastal-karnataka-to-get-relief-from-heat
Bengaluru is set to get a respite from the intense heat, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Karnataka's capital city will experience rain until May 29, Friday. As a precaution, a yellow alert has been issued for Bengaluru throughout the week. Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected across the city throughout the coming week, the IMD confirmed on Sunday. The weather office credited a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal for the sudden change in weather conditions. This cyclonic circulation has created favourable conditions for widespread and continuous rainfall in Bengaluru, IMD officials reportedly said. On Monday, Bengaluru is expected to experience cloudy skies from the afternoon hours, with strong winds blowing at speeds of 40 to 50 km/h in some areas. The maximum and minimum temperatures in Bengaluru are likely to be around 32C and 22C respectively, TV9 Kannada said in a report. The maximum temperature, which had earlier averaged around 34C, has now dropped below 30C in many places, the report added. Karnataka weather news Apart from Bengaluru, yellow alerts have also been issued until May 29 for most districts in North Interior Karnataka, Coastal Karnataka, and South Interior Karnataka by the IMD. In addition, a northsouth trough extending from southern Bihar through Jharkhand and Odisha to the north coast of Andhra Pradesh has also contributed to the weather changes. However, several states grappled with scorching heat on Sunday, with Brahmapuri in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra emerging as the hottest place in the country at 47.2 degrees Celsius. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 43.6 degrees Celsius, 3.4 notches above the seasonal average.
Odisha bars labour work during peak heat hours
Field-level officials have also been instructed to remain vigilant and spread awareness among contractors and workers to prevent any untoward incidents caused by extreme heat conditions
Odisha Chief Minister Visits Key Manufacturing Units in Khurda
Bhubaneswar, May 24: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited major manufacturing units located in the industrial parks of Khurda district on Sunday. According to an official statement, the Chief Ministers visit highlighted the governments robust ecosystem support, spanning from employment-driven sectors to high-tech strategic manufacturing. Majhi first toured Trimetro Garments, a leading apparel manufacturer ... Read more Odisha Chief Minister Visits Key Manufacturing Units in Khurda
Andhra Pradesh bans toxic weedicide paraquat for 60 days
The State joins its neighbors, Telangana and Odisha, in prohibiting the highly toxic weedicide
Tribal Familys Return To Ancestral Faith Marked By Unique Rebirth Ritual In Odisha
The Santhal community observes the ritual as a symbolic new birth for families re-joining their ancestral belief system: Local sources
Odisha Politics: BJP Gains Early Momentum As Opposition Struggles Ahead Of Panchayat Polls
The Bharatiya Janata Party has already intensified its organisational preparations in the state following its victory in the 2024 Assembly elections: Reports
Odisha man disappears after 1994 murder; arrested 32 years later hiding in an underground chamber
Odisha man disappears after 1994 murder: A man accused in a 1994 murder case was arrested after evading police for 32 years by allegedly using fake identities, moving across states for work, and hiding inside a secret underground chamber built inside his house in Odishas Jajpur district. Police said they caught him after receiving a tip-off that he had returned to his village for a family function.
India today is seen as a rising global power. It is one of the worlds fastest-growing major economies, a digital leader, a space power, a strong military nation, and an increasingly important player in global politics. Highways are expanding, airports are increasing, metro rail networks are changing cities, and the vision of becoming a developed country by 2047 is shaping national discussions. Even though all these achievements are visible, one harsh reality still remains millions of Indians do not trust the water coming from their taps. Most people still prefer bottled water, water purifiers, or boiling water before drinking it. This lack of trust shows that an important part of our countrys development journey is still unfinished. The day every citizen, as well as every tourist visiting India, can confidently drink water directly from a tap at home, a railway station, school, hotel, airport, office, or roadside public place without fear of illness, that will be the day India can truly call itself a fully developed nation. Safe tap water is not just a basic service. It is a sign of good governance, strong public health systems, environmental responsibility, and civic discipline. Civilisations have always grown around water. From the Indus Valley civilization to the banks of the Nile and the Tigris-Euphrates, access to clean water determined the survival and prosperity of societies. Even today, developed countries such as Germany, Australia, the United States, and much of Europe take immense pride in the fact that their citizens can drink water directly from the tap. In cities such as Berlin, public fountains and household taps symbolise public trust in governance and infrastructure. However, despite our rapid transformation, individual and society development are still far from that stage. To be fair, the government has made major achievements in expanding access to drinking water, and these efforts deserve recognition. Since the launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission in 2019, tap water connections in rural India have increased at a very fast pace. According to official figures, only around 3.23 crore rural households had tap water connections in August 2019. By March 2026, this number had reportedly crossed 15.82 crore households. The Union Budget for 202627 has allocated more than 67,000 crore for the mission, which has now been extended till 2028. This is no small achievement. Villages in remote regions of Ladakh, Sikkim, Jharkhand and Gujarat are now receiving piped water connections that were unimaginable a decade ago. Women no longer have to walk several kilometres carrying pots of water. Schools and anganwadis now have better access to drinking water. Local participation through village committees and womens groups has strengthened rural water governance in many regions. The government is right to celebrate these achievements. But there is a difference between water reaching a household and water being safe enough to drink directly from the tap. That remains the biggest challenge. India continues to face a severe water quality crisis. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, more than 70% of Indias surface water is unsafe for direct consumption. Hundreds of river stretches remain polluted due to untreated sewage, industrial waste, agricultural runoff and poor urban planning. Groundwater contamination from arsenic, fluoride and nitrates still continues to affect several states despite the government taking several checks. India is home to some of the worlds largest rivers, receives substantial monsoon rainfall, cleanest water from the foothills of Himalayas, and has invested massively in dams, pipelines and treatment systems. Yet ordinary citizens rarely trust the water flowing from their taps. Instead, our country has quietly built a parallel economy around unsafe drinking water. Nearly every household today uses a purifier, reverse osmosis system, or boils water before drinking it. Restaurants routinely serve filtered or bottled water instead of direct municipal supply. Offices install expensive filtration plants. Travellers buy packaged water bottles at railway stations, airports and roadside shops. The bottled water industry and domestic water purifier market are booming precisely because public confidence in tap water remains weak. This is perhaps the most honest fact-check of Indias drinking water reality. If Indias tap water were genuinely safe, millions of households would not feel compelled to spend additional money every month filtering water that has already supposedly been treated by civic authorities. The problem is not merely infrastructure. It is also governance, monitoring, enforcement and public behaviour. Our country already has strong legal frameworks. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 and the Environment Protection Act of 1986 empower authorities to regulate pollution and water quality. The National Water Policy speaks about integrated water management and conservation. Missions such as Namami Gange Programme and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation have sought to improve water infrastructure and urban sanitation. However, the implementation of many water and sanitation programmes still remains uneven across the country. Untreated sewage continues to flow into rivers. Lakes and ponds are disappearing because of encroachments and unchecked construction. Plastic waste blocks drains and pollutes water ecosystems. In many cities, damaged and leaking pipelines allow sewage water to mix with drinking water supplies. Water testing and monitoring systems are still weak, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. The government alone cannot solve this challenge unless citizens also change their habits and behaviour. A developed nation is not built only through government spending and big infrastructure projects; it is also built through public responsibility and civic discipline. Clean surroundings and safe drinking water are closely connected. Throwing garbage into drains, dumping waste into rivers, polluting lakes, and ignoring sanitation rules all lead to water contamination. Many people demand world-class facilities but continue practices that harm the environment. At the same time, there are positive examples that prove India can achieve global standards in safe drinking water. Odisha has emerged as a leading example through its Drink From Tap mission implemented by the Water Corporation of Odisha. Cities like Puri and Bhubaneswar have shown that round-the-clock safe tap water supply is possible in India when technology, efficient governance, and public trust work together. By using real-time monitoring systems, SCADA technology, GIS-based mapping, strict water quality checks, and transparent communication with people, Odisha has shown that Indian cities do not need to depend on bottled water forever. The success of cities like Puri and Bhubaneswar proves that safe tap water for everyone is possible in India. This model should now be expanded to other parts of the country. But providing safe drinking water to every Indian will require much bigger efforts. India needs major investment in sewage treatment plants, recycling of wastewater, cleaning of rivers, protection of groundwater, and better city planning. Water quality checking systems should work in real time and the information should be easily available to the public. Local authorities must be held responsible whenever drinking water gets contaminated. Schools should also teach water conservation and sanitation as basic civic responsibilities, not only as environmental subjects. Most importantly, India must rebuild public trust in its water systems. In developed countries, people drink tap water because they trust public institutions and water quality systems. In India, that trust is still weak because failures happen too often and without warning. Restoring this confidence may be the countrys biggest challenge. Indias ambitions are very large. The country aims to become a 10-trillion-dollar economy, a global manufacturing hub, a major tourism destination, and a developed nation by 2047. But development cannot be measured only through GDP growth, highways, airports, or skyscrapers. Real development must also be reflected in everyday life. There are many ifs that can be the measuring marks. Can a child safely drink water from a school tap? Can a tourist fill a water bottle at a railway station without worrying about falling sick? Can ordinary families stop spending large sums on water filters and bottled water? Can Indias rivers become clean and healthy again? When the answer to all these questions becomes yes across the country, India will not only appear developed, it will truly feel like a developed nation. Safe drinking water from every tap is not a luxury. It is one of the most basic signs of a civilised society. Surinder Singh Oberoi, National Editor Greater Kashmir
6 Held for Carrying Ganja Worth Rs. 16 Lakh
During interrogation, Rasool reportedly confessed that he transported the contraband from Odisha in a car to supply local peddlers.
Andhra, Odisha tug-of-war over 21 Kotia villages
A long-standing border dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha has reignited. Odisha conducted a census in 21 disputed villages, leading to arrests. Andhra Pradesh responded with its own census and installed solar panels. Odisha officials are now verifying the installations and planning their own solar projects for residents. The rivalry over these villages continues to intensify.
Work First: Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Skips Holiday To Review Law And Order, Industrial Growth
The Chief Ministers decision to hold the meeting on a holiday was viewed in administrative circles as a reflection of the governments focus on proactive governance and continuous monitoring of critical state matters: Reports
Fire breaks out at Machkund Hydroelectric Project on A.P.-Odisha border
Six arrested with 16.23 kg marijuana allegedly smuggled from Odisha to Hyderabad
Remote Odisha Villagers Gets Their First Primary Health Centre
The intervention aims to bridge a longstanding healthcare manpower crisis that had severely affected delivery of basic medical services in the region
Boy Critically Injured While Trying to Fend Off Dogs in Odisha
The incident took place at Mahanala village under Patapur police station limits when the child, identified as Arish Kumar, was playing in the courtyard of his residence
Odisha Man Stabs Ex-Girlfriends Mother, Uncle Inside Police Station
Following the attack, the accused allegedly attempted to flee the spot on a motorcycle. However, police personnel chased and apprehended him shortly afterwards
Raseshwari Devi Announces Meditation Hall in Odisha: Spiritual leader Raseshwari Devi announced a large Yoga and Meditation Hall near Tangi, Odisha, set to open on World Meditation Day 2026. The Braj Gopika Seva Mission, founded by Devi, is developing the facility, which will accommodate over 1,500 people and serve as a major spiritual hub in eastern India.
India Successfully Tests Short-Range Agni-1 Ballistic Missile
New Delhi, May 23: India has successfully conducted a test of the short-range ballistic missile Agni-1, enhancing its strategic capabilities. The test took place on May 22 at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, as reported by the Ministry of Defence. During the test, all operational and technical parameters of the missile were successfully ... Read more India Successfully Tests Short-Range Agni-1 Ballistic Missile
Mika Singh Visits Jagannath Temple in Puri, Receives Mahaprasad
New Delhi, May 23: Renowned Bollywood singer Mika Singh visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, where millions of devotees flock each year. During his visit, he offered prayers and received the temples famous Mahaprasad. In an exclusive conversation, he shared his experience. Mika Singh expressed, I feel great after visiting the Jagannath Temple. The ... Read more Mika Singh Visits Jagannath Temple in Puri, Receives Mahaprasad
India successfully test-fires Agni-1 ballistic missile from Odisha
Earlier, on May 8, the country had successfully carried out a flight trial of an advanced Agni missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle off the coast of the State
PM Modi Presents Traditional Tarakasi Silver Boat to Norways King, Celebrating Odishas Craftsmanship
Mumbai, May 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again showcased Odishas rich handicraft heritage on a global stage. He presented a traditional silver boat crafted in the historic Tarakasi art style to King Harald V of Norway. The renowned Tarakasi work from Cuttack is not just an art form; it symbolizes Odishas pride, heritage, ... Read more PM Modi Presents Traditional Tarakasi Silver Boat to Norways King, Celebrating Odishas Craftsmanship
2 Children Among 6 Killed As Bus Rams Autorickshaw In Odisha's Ganjam
All of them were residents of Erenda village under the Chikiti block and were travelling in the autorickshaw when the accident occurred.
Six Killed, Four Critical As Speeding Bus Hits Auto In Odishas Ganjam
The impact of the collision was so severe that three persons reportedly died on the spot: Reports
Three Heatstroke Deaths Reported In Odisha As Severe Heatwave Grips State
People are finding it extremely difficult to step outdoors as hot winds and intense sunlight make exposure unbearable: Reports
India Successfully Test-Launches Agni-1 Ballistic Missile
NEW DELHI, May 22: India on Friday successfully test-fired short-range ballistic missile Agni-1 from the integrated test range at Odishas Chandipur, the defence ministry said. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters, it said. The test was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, the ministry said. The Agni 1 to 4 missiles have ranges from 700 km to 3,500 km and they have already been deployed. (Agencies) The post India Successfully Test-Launches Agni-1 Ballistic Missile appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
India successfully tests Agni-1 Ballistic Missile
India successfully test-launched the Short Range Ballistic Missile Agni-1. The test occurred at Chandipur, Odisha. The Strategic Forces Command oversaw the launch. All operational and technical parameters were validated. This launch reaffirms India's strategic deterrence capability. The event took place on May 22, 2026.
Odisha: Law Minister Chairs High-Level Meeting on Rath Yatra Preparations
Preparations for the Rath Yatra are expected to intensify further in the coming days as various departments begin implementing the arrangements discussed during the meeting
Odisha Confirms Three Deaths Due to Heat Stroke Amid Severe Weather Warnings
Bhubaneswar, May 22: The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) of Odisha has confirmed three fatalities due to heat stroke in the state. The deaths were reported in the districts of Bolangir, Sundargarh, and Suvarnapur. According to the report, there were initial concerns about 16 potential deaths; however, four cases were ruled out following post-mortem examinations, leaving ... Read more Odisha Confirms Three Deaths Due to Heat Stroke Amid Severe Weather Warnings
Tragic Road Accident in Odisha Claims Six Lives, CM Expresses Condolences
Bhubaneswar, May 22: A devastating road accident in the Purushottampur area of Ganjam district, Odisha, has resulted in the loss of six lives. This tragic incident has cast a pall of sorrow over the entire region. Chief Minister Mohan Chara Majhi has expressed profound grief over the accident. In a post on the social media ... Read more Tragic Road Accident in Odisha Claims Six Lives, CM Expresses Condolences
Greenline Mobility Expands LNG Fleet Partnership with Tata Steel
Mumbai, May 22: Greenline Mobility Solutions Limited, a leader in green logistics under the Essar Group, has strengthened its long-term partnership with Tata Steel by launching LNG-powered trucks at Tata Steels Meramandali plant in Odisha. This deployment marks another step in the ongoing collaboration among organizations to achieve carbon-free long-distance road transport across various operational ... Read more Greenline Mobility Expands LNG Fleet Partnership with Tata Steel
Odisha mandates EVs for official use, promotes virtual meetings
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has issued an eight-point directive mandating virtual official meetings wherever possible, compulsory use of electric vehicles (EVs), and a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption across departments. The directives were issued on Thursday, May 21, on the instructions of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who had earlier reduced the size 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 govt mandates EV use for official work, pushes virtual meetings
Odisha government mandates virtual meetings and a 10% fuel cut across departments. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's directive emphasizes electric vehicle adoption for official use from June 1, with exceptions for special circumstances. Senior officials must now carpool, and public transport is encouraged for distant official travel, aiming for significant fuel savings.
Raseshwari Devi ji: Spiritual leader Raseshwari Devi announced a new Yoga and meditation hall in Odisha and a week-long camp in Haridwar for World Meditation Day 2026. These initiatives, under the Braj Gopika Seva Mission, aim to promote spiritual learning and wellness. Raseshwari Devi, a proponent of Sanatan Vedic philosophy, has dedicated her life to spreading ancient wisdom and fostering community service.
Assam, Odisha, UP and Bihar lead solar wave as rooftop boom outpaces Indias grid readiness
PM Surya Ghar installations cross 31 lakh, but ageing grids, DISCOM delays and transformer stress threaten Indias next rooftop solar growth phase
PM Modi Gifts Odisha Artifacts to Norwegian Royal Family, CM Majhi Celebrates Cultural Pride
Bhubaneswar, May 22: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Odisha towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. During his recent diplomatic tour across five countries, PM Modi presented exquisite handcrafted artifacts to King Harald V and Queen of Norway. These included a silver boat model and a palm ... Read more PM Modi Gifts Odisha Artifacts to Norwegian Royal Family, CM Majhi Celebrates Cultural Pride
Traditional Crafts Gaining Global Recognition Under Modi Government: Soumyaranjan Das
New Delhi, May 22: Soumyaranjan Das, a palm leaf artist, believes that traditional art forms are finally receiving the global recognition they deserve. He credits this shift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussing the growing international attention on Odishas palm leaf carving art, Das mentioned that while some may view Modis gifting of traditional handicrafts ... Read more Traditional Crafts Gaining Global Recognition Under Modi Government: Soumyaranjan Das
Odishas Bold Initiative Amid West Asia Crisis: Eight-Point Fuel Conservation Directive Issued
Bhubaneswar, May 22: Amid rising concerns over the situation in West Asia and fuel consumption, the Odisha government has taken significant steps to reduce petrol and diesel usage. Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi has issued an eight-point directive for all state government departments and offices. Previously, Chief Minister Majhi had discussed fuel conservation with Prime ... Read more Odishas Bold Initiative Amid West Asia Crisis: Eight-Point Fuel Conservation Directive Issued
Three killed as Norwester Storm Triggers Tent Collapse in Odishas Keonjhar
The incident took place in the Naranpur area of the district when powerful gusts accompanied by the storm struck the region
SC Refuses To Club 53 FIRs in 49-Crore Investment Fraud Case
The cases are pending in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Andhra Pradesh
40-Day-Old Infant Dies Allegedly Due to Parental Negligence in Odisha; Alcoholic Couple Arrested
The incident took place at Kendudangari village under Rupsa police station limits
Odisha: Vegetable Vendors Daughter Tops in +2 Science, Dreams of Becoming a Doctor
She is a student of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Department Higher Secondary School in Mohana.
From Forest Villages to Premium Orchards: Odisha Farmers Experiment With Miyazaki Mango
The fruit has gained global attention for its premium market value, with reports suggesting prices ranging between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 3 lakh per kilogram in international markets.
Notorious Criminal Injured in Police Encounter After Attack on Couple in Berhampur
Bhawanipatna, May 21: In a shocking incident in Berhampur, Odisha, a notorious criminal was injured during a police encounter after a brutal attack on a couple. The police apprehended the suspect, Mukesh Sahu, late Wednesday night. IG of Police, Niti Shekhar, provided details on Thursday. According to the IG, after arresting Mukesh Sahu, the police ... Read more Notorious Criminal Injured in Police Encounter After Attack on Couple in Berhampur
A farmer in Odisha's Malkangiri district is guarding a rare, expensive Miyazaki mango tree, fearing theft of the valuable fruit. While the mangoes are known for luxury prices in Japan, the farmer lacks market connections and knowledge for selling them at premium rates.
PM Modi gifts Odishas Pattachitra and orchid paintings to Norways royal family
PM Modi gifted a Pressed Orchid Painting and Orchid paperweights to his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store; On the other hand, he presented a Kalamkari with Sun and Moon Motif to the Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon, while he gifted a Palm leaf Pattachitra to Queen of Norway Sonja
SC Bats for Victim-centric Approach, Refuses to Entertain Plea for Consolidation of FIRs
Several criminal cases are pending against the accused in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Andhra Pradesh
Odisha Cabinet Approves Key Reforms in Fisheries, Law, and Energy Sectors
Bhubaneswar, May 21: The Odisha Cabinet approved ten significant proposals related to seven departments, including law, energy, and fisheries and animal resource development, during a meeting on Wednesday chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Chara Majhi. Among the major proposals approved by the Cabinet is the Odisha Marine Fishing (Restriction and Regulation) Bill, 2026 (OMFRA-2026). This ... Read more Odisha Cabinet Approves Key Reforms in Fisheries, Law, and Energy Sectors
Severe Heatwave Hits Odisha and Surrounding States, Temperatures Soar Near 45 Degrees
Bhubaneswar, May 20: Intense heat is making life difficult for residents in various parts of the country. States like Odisha, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have reported temperatures consistently exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department has issued red and orange alerts for several regions due to the heatwave conditions. Streets appear deserted during the ... Read more Severe Heatwave Hits Odisha and Surrounding States, Temperatures Soar Near 45 Degrees
World Diversity Day: Many Voices, One Humanity
Cultural diversity is not a destination humanity has reached. It is a work perpetually in progress and perpetually at risk MIR ALTAF A World of Staggering Plurality On World Cultural Diversity Day, the most important cultural monument should neither be a building nor a manuscript. It should be an old woman in a remote village who knows something no one else does: a song, a dyeing technique, a way of reading the monsoon sky, a word for a feeling that no other language has ever named. Because when she is gone, that knowledge does not retire into an archive. It disappears from the world entirely, as completely as though it had never existed. This is what is truly at stake on May 21, when the world observes the Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, proclaimed by the United Nations in 2002 following the adoption of UNESCOs Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. It is not merely a commemorative occasion. It is a standing invitation to humanity to recognise that our differences are not fault lines to be feared, but fertile ground from which understanding, creativity, and enduring peace can grow. In 2026, the invitation carries a new weight. The world is changing fast and not always in ways that are kind to difference. The real question for our time is not whether cultures will meet. They will, every day, everywhere. The question is whether those meetings will leave both sides richer or diminished. 7,000+ Languages spoken worldwide 370M+ Indigenous peoples globally ~50% Of world languages at risk $2.25T Cultural industries globally Across six continents, cultural diversity manifests in astonishing forms, like in the oral traditions of West African griots, the architectural philosophy of Japanese ma (negative space), the communal cosmology of Andean Pachamama worship, and the stoic civic ethos of Scandinavian societies. Each represents not simply a different way of doing things, but a fundamentally different way of understanding what it means to be human. UNESCOs 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions remains the foundational legal instrument in this field, recognising cultural goods and services as bearers of identity and values rather than mere commercial commodities. Yet the gap between legal recognition and lived reality yawns wide. Languages disappear at the rate of roughly one every two weeks. A child growing up today in rural Bolivia or the forests of Odisha is simultaneously more connected to global culture than any previous generation, and more at risk of losing their own. Cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, 2001 The Republic That Is a Civilisation To speak of cultural diversity in an Indian context is to speak in superlatives that nonetheless fall short of the reality. India is not merely a diverse country; it is a civilisation that has functioned, across millennia, as a living laboratory of cultural coexistence. With 22 officially recognised languages and over 1,600 mother tongues documented in the census, eight major religions, dozens of distinct classical art forms, and a culinary geography that transforms every hundred kilometres, Indias diversity is not incidental to its identity. It is its identity. 1,600+ Mother tongues documented 705 Scheduled tribal communities 16 UNESCO ICH elements inscribed 43 World Heritage Sites The philosophical underpinning of Indias approach to diversity is perhaps best captured in the ancient concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam the world is one family. This is not a passive tolerance of difference but an active embrace of it, rooted in the understanding that plurality is not a problem to be managed but a wisdom to be drawn upon. The Vedic tradition of debating opposing philosophical systems side by side, the Sufi dargahs that welcomed devotees of all faiths, the syncretic folk music that blended Hindu and Islamic devotional vocabularies, these were not accidents of geography but the fruits of a deliberate cultural philosophy. Modern India carries this inheritance forward imperfectly but persistently. The constitutional protections for linguistic and cultural minorities under Articles 29 and 30 are among the most robust frameworks for minority cultural rights in the world. The Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi, and Lalit Kala Akademi have, for seven decades, worked to document, sustain, and celebrate art forms from every corner of the subcontinent. On this World Diversity Day, Indias challenge and its opportunity is to translate constitutional aspiration into living practice. That means not merely preserving heritage in museums and festivals, but ensuring that the communities who are the living custodians of that heritage have the economic security and institutional support to continue creating, not just surviving. Indias Northeast offers perhaps the most concentrated illustration of this challenge and potential. The eight sister states together are home to over 200 distinct ethnic groups and also over 200 languages and dialects. Manipuri dance and Mizo choral traditions, the textile arts of the Nagas and the boat festivals of Assam, this region is not a peripheral curiosity but a cultural heartland. The recent granting of Classical Language status to additional Indian languages is a step in the right direction; what is needed now is the sustained, granular work of documentation, transmission, and economic empowerment of cultural practitioners. The Valley Where Cultures Embraced: Kashmir Focus Kashmir occupies a singular place in the cartography of world culture. Positioned at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Silk Road, the valley absorbed and synthesised influences from Persian, Mughal, Buddhist, Shaivite, and Central Asian traditions across fifteen centuries of cultural exchange. The result is a remarkably original culture with its own aesthetic language, philosophical tradition, and social fabric. The tradition of Kashmiriyat, the composite cultural identity of the valley, transcending religious lines, represents one of the most instructive examples of cultural coexistence in South Asian history. Shared shrines, syncretic devotional poetry in the tradition of Lal Ded and Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani, these were the lived texture of Kashmiri pluralism. The Kashmiri handicraft sector, comprising Pashmina weaving, Kani shawls, papier-mch, walnut
