Spl police unit to keep an eye on social media
Kendrapada fishermen faced with water crisis, poor sanitation
Bigwigs make way for next gen, sons ready to take the plunge
Cops asked to track down criminals evading NBWs
Congress, BJD gear up for Lok Sabha poll in Koraput
SRC asks collectors for heatwave management plan
Royal Bengal tiger sighted in Sundargarh dist came from MP
Cops prepare for LWE-hit districts going to polls
Boys death case: NHRC asks govt to pay 4L relief to kin
BDA switches on streetlights on new four-lane road
After 3-week trial, 18 months jail for priest who molested Swede
In a swift judicial process, the trial of the alleged molestation case involving a Swedish national in Bhubaneswar concluded within just three weeks. The court sentenced Kundan Mahapatra to 18 months of imprisonment on Monday, as per Debabrata Mohapatra's report. This marks the fastest trial in Odisha, where justice was served within 28 days of the crime, as confirmed by the commissionerate police.
SC stays HC order nullifying election of Odisha Congress MLA
The Supreme Court has granted a stay on the Orissa High Court's decision to nullify Congress MLA Mohammed Moquim's election. The HC had cancelled his election citing suppression of criminal cases against him and deemed his affidavit invalid due to lack of proper verification by the returning officer. Seeking relief, Moquim swiftly approached the SC through his advocate Mithu Jai to halt the HC's order.
Top cops of Odisha, Bengal, Bihar & Jharkhand discuss security arrangements for polls
Bhubaneswar, March 19 (IANS) A key inter-state meeting of senior police officers of Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand was held at the DGP Camp Office here on Monday. Senior police officers of the neighbouring states participated in the meeting through video conference. We held discussions on how to thwart illegal transportation of firearms, drugs, []
In Nepals volatile politics making new alliances or shuffling the pack of probable allies has become so common place that the victory of the Maoist Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal, in a vote of confidence recently, is not surprising. But, its importance lies in the fact that it marks a critical juncture in the nations []
Bus Meets With Mishap In Athgarh; Narrow Escape For 50 Passengers
Athgarh: As many as 50 passengers escaped narrowly after the bus they were travelling dashed into the roadside barricades near Bhogara village on State Highway 65 on Monday. According to reports, the incident took place at around 10 pm when the bus was en route to Deogarh from Bhubaneswar after crossing Kuchinda. Sources said, the [] The post Bus Meets With Mishap In Athgarh; Narrow Escape For 50 Passengers appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Melanistic Leopard With Twin Cubs Sighted In Dense Forests Of Odisha
Bhubaneswar: In the forests of Central Odisha, a female melanistic leopard with twin cubs, one of which is normal and the other is melanistic, has been spotted. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Wildlife) Susanta Nanda shared this news on Monday in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). According to Nanda, [] The post Melanistic Leopard With Twin Cubs Sighted In Dense Forests Of Odisha appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Son of Adam of Odia Filmmakers, Wins Best Musical Film
Bhubaneswar: Son of Adam a film by Odisha-based director-producer duo Amartya Bhattacharyya and Swastik Choudhury has won the Best Musical Film award at Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente de Madrid (FICIMAD) 2024. The award was announced on Friday atLa Filmoteca Espaola (Cine Dor) in Madrid, Spain. The movie was shot in places like Keonjhar, Puri, [] The post Son of Adam of Odia Filmmakers, Wins Best Musical Film appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Odisha Temple Priest Sent To Jail For Sexually Harassing Foreign Tourist
A court in the Odisha capital on Monday sentenced a 'sevayat' (priest) of Shree Lingaraj Temple here to 18 months of imprisonment for sexually harassing a woman foreign tourist.
Ahead of elections police upload NBW lists of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack on website
Odisha's DGP Sarangi instructs police to locate criminals evading NBWs for peaceful elections. Public cooperation sought to inform about criminals. The commissionerate police said they have uploaded on their website names of 2,934 anti-socials of Bhubaneswar against whom NBWs have been pending since long. Most of them are wanted in cases related to murder, attempt to murder, dacoity and hooliganism, among others.
Odisha court awards 18 months jail to temple priest for sexually harassing foreign tourist
Odisha court awards 18 months jail to temple priest for sexually harassing foreign tourist A court in the Odisha capital on Monday sentenced a 'sevayat' (priest) of Shree Lingaraj Temple here to 18 months of imprisonment for sexually harassing a woman foreign tourist. The court of the judicial magistrate first class pronounced the judgment within four weeks of the crime. Kundan Mahapatra, the convict, sexually harassed the Swedish tourist on February 19 when she was roaming alone near the 11th Century Lingaraj temple here. Following the incident, the victim filed a complaint with the police and the priest was arrested the same day. The police filed the charge sheet in just four days (February 23) and the trial began on February 26.
Odisha govt prepares contingency plan for peak-summer elections
Afghanistan Retaliate Against Pakistans Air Strikes
New Delhi: A severe military confrontation erupted near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Monday, leading to heightened tensions between the two nations. Afghanistan accused Pakistan of killing eight of its citizens in two air strikes. Islamabad confirmed terming the attack as intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations inside the neighbouring country. In retaliation, the Taliban government fired at Pakistani [] The post Afghanistan Retaliate Against Pakistans Air Strikes appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
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Utkal University holds workshop for college principals
PM Modi congratulates Vladimir Putin on re-election as Russian President
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin on his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation. Also Read:Vladimir Putin wins Russian presidential polls for record sixth-term The Prime Minister also emphasized working together to further strengthen the time-tested Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia in the [] The post PM Modi congratulates Vladimir Putin on re-election as Russian President appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
UN says famine is imminent in northern Gaza as Israel launches another raid on the main hospital
Rafah: The UN food agency said Monday that famine is imminent in northern Gaza, where 70% of the remaining population is experiencing catastrophic hunger, and that a further escalation of the war could push around half of Gazas total population to the brink of starvation. The alarming report came as Israel faces mounting pressure from []
Sr Women's hockey nationals: Haryana, Odisha seal quarterfinal berths with emphatic wins
Police Conducts Flag March In City
Bhubaneswar: Commissionerate Police today conducted a flag march in the state capital. The city police force and 2 platoons of CRPF jawans were in todays flag march in Bhubaneswar. Ahead of the general elections, flag marches are being carried out with CRPF jawans and policemen in various areas of the Commissionerate Police to make the [] The post Police Conducts Flag March In City appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
NHRC awards Rs 4 lakh compensation to kin of boy died after school gate falls on him
NHRC recommends Rs 4 lakh compensation to next of kin of deceased 7-year-old boy from Cuttack district after an iron gate fell on him at Ankola Nodal Upper Primary School. Odisha Chief Secretary directed to ensure compensation disbursement.
Odisha SRC Releases Heat Wave Contingency Plan For General Elections 2024
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) on Monday released the Heat Wave Contingency Plan for General Elections 2024 and asked collectors of all districts to take mitigation, preparedness and response measures to tackle the heat wave conditions. Special Relief Commissioner & Additional Chief Secretary to Govt, Satyabrata Sahu, IAS, has written a letter to [] The post Odisha SRC Releases Heat Wave Contingency Plan For General Elections 2024 appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
In fastest trial, priest convicted for molesting Swedish tourist in Odisha capital
Despite Multitude Of Schemes, Quality Concerns Affect School Education In Rural Andhra Pradesh - odishabytes OdishaBytes
Sundargarhs TangarpaliPanchayat Samiti Ex-Chairperson, Her Spouse Convicted In Bribery Case
Sundargarh: A Vigilance Court on Monday sentenced the former chairperson of Tangarpali Panchayat Samiti, Smt. Kaushalya Dhurua, to 4 years of imprisonment in connection with a 2014 bribery case. Vigilance Special Judge today convicted Smt. Kaushalya Dhrua, Ex-Chairperson, Tangarpali Panchayat Samiti, Dist-Sundargarh and his spouse Indramani Dhrua, who were charge-sheeted by Odisha Vigilance for demand [] The post Sundargarhs TangarpaliPanchayat Samiti Ex-Chairperson, Her Spouse Convicted In Bribery Case appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
IIT Bhubaneswar holds annual social, cultural festival
IIT Bhubaneswar's 15th Alma Fiesta celebrated with 'Dying art form' and 'Enigmatic Paracosm Unraveling mystery at a time' themes. The event featured cultural performances, drama, dance, music, painting, and quiz competitions, emphasizing Indian culture preservation.
Love Triangle Murder in Bhubaneswar; Police Arrest Main Culprit, Girl Aide
Bhubaneswar: Cracking down the Love triangle murder case, the Commissionerate police arrested Kanha Pradhan and Niharika from Salia Sahi slum in Bhubaneswar for the murder of Anjan Behera. The Police seized the sharp-edged blood-stained weapon from their possession. The manhunt is underway to nab four others, who were involved in the crime, informed Bhubaneswar DCP [] The post Love Triangle Murder in Bhubaneswar; Police Arrest Main Culprit, Girl Aide appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Love Triangle Murder, Police Arrested the Main Culprit
Bhubaneswar: Cracking down the Love triangle murder case, the Commissionerate police arrested Kanha Pradhan and Niharika from Salia Sahi slum in Bhubaneswar for the murder of Anjan Behera. The Police seized the sharp-edged blood-stained weapon from their possession. The manhunt is underway to nab four others, who were involved in the crime, informed Bhubaneswar DCP [] The post Love Triangle Murder, Police Arrested the Main Culprit appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
BTS V Replaces Cardi B At No. 1 With His New Single
Seoul: BTS singer V returned to his music career on Friday (March 15) after stepping away for a time to enlist in the South Korean military. The tune comes only a few months after he dropped his first full collection on his own, Layover, and its clearly meant to tide fans over as he fulfills [] The post BTS V Replaces Cardi B At No. 1 With His New Single appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Samir K Modi Embarks on Historic Atoot Bandhan, Rishta Dil Ka Roadshow
Modicare Limited, one of Indias leading direct selling companies, embarks on a grand roadshow Atoot Bandhan, Rishta Dil Ka, flagged off by Mr Samir K Modi. This historic journey in 4 days will cover approximately 600 kilometres and 10 cities in Odisha and West Bengal. First of its kind in the direct selling industry, this [] The post Samir K Modi Embarks on Historic Atoot Bandhan, Rishta Dil Ka Roadshow appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Apple in talks with Google for using Gemini to bring generative AI features to iPhones
New York: Apple and Google are actively negotiating the use of Gemini to power some of the generative AI features coming to iPhones this year, according to a recent report by Bloombergs Mark Gurnman. The deal with Apple could be a game changer for Googles Gemini chatbot, which has been embroiled in a number [] The post Apple in talks with Google for using Gemini to bring generative AI features to iPhones appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Naveen Patnaik writes open letter to people; assures to make Odisha No. 1 state by 2036
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday urged the people of Odisha to unite and strive towards building a stronger state ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. In an open letter written in Odia, he emphasised the importance of collective effort in shaping the future of Odisha, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to []
Top Govt Officials Discuss Mobilisation Of Armed Forces During General Elections In Odisha
Bhubaneswar: In preparation for the ensuing General Elections 2024 in Odisha, top govt officials of the state today convened an important meeting regarding the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and State Armed Police Forces (SAPF). In this meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, Home Department Additional Chief Secretary [] The post Top Govt Officials Discuss Mobilisation Of Armed Forces During General Elections In Odisha appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
SC stays Orissa HC order setting aside election of Congress MLA Moquim in 2019 Assembly polls
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Monday stayed the Orissa High Courts order setting aside the election of Congress leader Mohammed Moquim as MLA from the Barabati Assembly constituency in Cuttack in 2019. The apex court, however, clarified that the stay order was subject to the condition that Moquim will not be entitled to cast vote []
Manyam District to Cast First Vote in General Elections
Visakhapatnam: Newly formed Manyam district will participate in its first general elections. The district, carved out two years ago, comprises four assembly constituencies - Salur (ST), Kurupam (ST), Palakonda (ST), and Parvathipuram (SC) - all part of the Araku Lok Sabha constituency. Manyam district has two municipalities, a city panchayat, and 15 mandals, with nine being sub-plan mandals bordering Odisha. Tribal communities residing in these areas rely heavily on forest products for livelihood. The district also encompasses the disputed Manyam-Andhra Odisha Border (AOB) region, with Kothia village being Maoist-affected. Salur constituency is technically incomplete as its Mentada area falls under Vizianagaram district. Cashew cultivation is a primary source of income in Gummalakshmipuram, Kurupam, Komarada, and Saluru mandals. With a total of 7,77,733 voters across Salur (2,02,302), Kurupam (1,93,073), Parvathipuram (1,88,438), and Palakonda (1,93,920), the district administration has set up 1,031 polling stations in 736 locations. DPRO Ramesh assured all facilities are available and the administration is prepared for the first-time simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Authorities are taking preventive measures to ensure peaceful elections. They've identified and are closely monitoring sensitive polling stations. Precautions are being taken to prevent disturbances and clashes, said Ramesh. EVM awareness camps are also being held to encourage fearless voting. Previously, Saluru, Parvathipuram, and Kurupam belonged to Vizianagaram district, while Palakonda was under Srikakulam district. This election will be conducted under the leadership of Manyam district collector Nishanth Kumar, who is also the Election Returning Officer for the Araku Parliament.
Royal Bengal Tiger Sighted in Sundergarh after 2 Decades
Bhubaneswar: After almost two decades A Royal Bengal Tiger (RBT) has been sighted in Odishas Sundargarh, informed by district Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Susanta Nanda today. The tiger must have travelled a few hundred miles to reach Odisha to crave out its new territory, he revealed on social media X. The big cat [] The post Royal Bengal Tiger Sighted in Sundergarh after 2 Decades appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Excise policy scam: BRS leader Kavitha moves SC against arrest in money laundering case
New Delhi: BRS leader K Kavitha has moved the Supreme Court, challenging her arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. A member of the Telangana Legislative Council and daughter of former state chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Kavitha was Saturday remanded in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody till March 23 []
Two killed in lightning strike in Odisha
Balasore: Two persons died and another was injured in incidents of lightning strike in Odishas Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts Monday, police said. A 30-year-old man died after lightning struck a thatched hut where he took shelter, at Tukuri Hazira village in Balasore, they said. The deceased has been identified as Ranjan Parmanik. In the second []
BJDs conch symbol in govt advts: Orissa HC refuses to intervene at this time
Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Sunday declined to interfere in a case related to the alleged use of the conch symbol, which is the party symbol of the ruling Biju Janata Dal, in government advertisements. The court stated that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had already taken notice of the issue, and if [] The post BJDs conch symbol in govt advts: Orissa HC refuses to intervene at this time appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
The inside story of a rotten Hewlett Packard deal to be told in trial of fallen British tech star
San Francisco: An $11 billion acquisition that backfired on Silicon Valley pioneer Hewlett Packard more than a decade ago will be resurrected Monday during a trial that will explore whether the deal was an illegal rip-off or a case of botched management. The criminal trial in San Francisco federal court revolves around HPs acquisition of []
Customers purchase coloured powders, water guns ahead of Holi at Choudhury Bazar locality in Cuttack Artist prepares various sculptures for Dola Melan at Kathagada Sahi in Cuttack Artisans decorate palanquin with silver ornaments for Dola Melan ahead of Holi at Cuttacks Choudhury Bazar Puja Mandap
Wellness influencers: Heres how to identify evidence-based health information from pseudoscience
Ontario: I drink borax! proclaims the smiling TikToker. Holding up a box of the laundry additive, she rhymes off a list of its supposed health benefits: Balances testosterone and estrogen. Its a powerhouse anti-inflammatory. Its amazing for arthritis, osteoporosis. And obviously its great for your gut health. Videos like these prompted health authorities to warn []
Odisha Assembly Election 2024: Here's date, time, and complete schedule
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the dates for the 2024 Assembly elections to be held in four states -- Sikkim (32 seats), Arunachal Pradesh (60 seats), Andra Pradesh (175 seats), and Odisha (147 seats). Here is complete schedule for Odisha Assembly Election 2024.
Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) Recruiting for Traffic Constable Posts (2024 Batch)
Are you seeking an opportunity to serve in the Odisha Staff Selection Commission? Here's your chance! OSSC has released a notification for the recruitment of Traffic Constables with 26 vacancies under the State Transport Authority. If you're interested, read on to know more about the eligibility criteria, selection process, and application procedure.
Heavy rains likely in parts of Odisha over next two days
Bhubaneswar: Heavy rains, accompanied by thunderstorms, are likely to lash parts of Odisha over the next two days, the weather office said. An orange alert was issued for Bolangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi, Boudh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Jajpur districts for Tuesday, asking them to remain prepared for heavy rains. A yellow alert has been []
OSSC CGL Notification 2024 released for 595 Group B and C posts at ossc.gov.in, how to apply
Odisha Staff Selection Commission released OSSC CGL Notification 2024 for Group-B & C Posts/services with 595 vacancies. Apply by May 2, 2024. Age 21-38, bachelor's degree needed. Selection through exams. Prelims tentatively in July-September 2024.
SC Rejects Bail to AAPs Satyendra Jain in Money Laundering Case
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the regular bail to former Delhi Minister Satyendra Jain in a money laundering case. Dismissing the plea, filed by Aam Aadmi Party, the apex court further orders Jain to immediately surrender before the jail authority. All appeals (including the plea filed by Ankush Jain and Vaibhav Jain, [] The post SC Rejects Bail to AAPs Satyendra Jain in Money Laundering Case appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Odisha eyes 10,000 crore investment in textiles
The state has so far approved 26 proposals, which are at stages of implementation, said Bhupendra Singh Poonia, MD, Industrial Promotion & Investment Corporation of Odisha
Jkhand DGP holds meeting with five states to ensure free, fair LS polls
Jkhand DGP holds meeting with five states to ensure free, fair LS polls Security has been tightened in Jharkhand especially along the state's border with West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, a senior police officer said on Monday. DGP Ajay Kumar Singh chaired an inter-state virtual co-ordination meeting with senior police officials from neighboring states to ensure fair elections. Discussions during the meeting covered various topics, including intelligence sharing, naxal activities, and coordination to address inter-state criminal activities. Additionally, emphasis was placed on activating the checkposts along the borders to curb influx of illegal weapons, arms, ammunition, liquor, and narcotics. The DGP mentioned that a list of interstate criminals has been shared with the respective states to facilitate necessary action. The Lok Sabha polls for 14 seats in the state will be conducted in four phases. The voting schedule is as follows: Singhbhum, Khunti, Lohardaga, and Palamu on May 13; Chatra, Koderma, and Hazaaribag on May 20; Giridih, Dhanbad, Ranchi, and Jamshedpur on May 25; and Rajmahal, Dumka, and Godda on June 1. Among the 14 Lok Sabha seats, five are reserved for STs and one for SCs. The state has over 2.55 crore voters, including 1.29 crore men, 1.25 crore women, and 407 transgenders. There are 22 lakh first-time voters and 3.6 lakh persons with disabilities among them.
Supreme Court Grants Breather To Congress Leader Mohammed Moquim
Cuttack: Congress leader Mohammed Moquim gets much awaited relief from Supreme Court said reliable reports on Monday. After the High Court declared his Assembly election null and void, Moquim approached the Supreme Court. Along with this, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the opposite party that is Debashish Samantaray. A bench of [] The post Supreme Court Grants Breather To Congress Leader Mohammed Moquim appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Mukesh Khanna upset over reports of Ranveer Singhs casting as Shaktimaan
New Delhi: Actor Mukesh Khanna, who played the iconic role of Shaktimaan in the 1990s serial, said he is not in favour of Ranveer Singh playing the popular superhero as the actor has a certain image. According to media reports, Singh was recently roped in to play Shaktimaan in the film set to be directed []
ECI Transfers Home Secretaries Of 6 States and Bengal DGP
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday ordered the removal of Home Secretaries in six states Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand for free and fair elections. The General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh are also removed by the ECI. Additionally, the Commission has removed the [] The post ECI Transfers Home Secretaries Of 6 States and Bengal DGP appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Ajay Devgn starrer Shaitaan mints Rs 100 crore-mark at box office
New Delhi: Supernatural thriller Shaitaan has added Rs 24.41 crore to its net box office collections (NBOC) in the second weekend of its release, taking up its total earnings to Rs 106.01 crore, the makers said Monday. Starring Ajay Devgn, Jyotika, and R Madhavan, the film collected Rs 81.60 crore in its first weekend. It []
Bazaar Style Retail is one of the leading players in the value retail market in West Bengal and Odisha.
Confusion over alliance hobbles BJP-BJD workers in Odisha
The delay in clearing their stands is being attributed to the differences over the sharing of seats
Elections 2024: Odisha BJP chief leaves for Delhi with names of candidates
Bhubaneswar: Amidst speculation surrounding a possible pre-poll alliance between the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha, the state president of the saffron party, Manmohan Samal, left for New Delhi Monday for discussions with the central leadership regarding the list of potential candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha and []
Twin Polls: Odisha BJP chief leaves for Delhi with names of candidates
BJP and BJD speculate alliance. State BJP president Samal discusses candidates in Delhi. Central Leadership to decide candidates. Naveen Niwas meeting discusses Puri LS. Uncertainty on alliance post Modi's visit.
Truck owners 24-hour bandh in Odishas Keonjhar against railway project
Keonjhar: A truck owners association in the mineral-rich Keonjhar district of Odisha began a 24-hour bandh from 6am Monday in protest against the proposed railway project aimed at transporting minerals, a member of the association said. The project aims at connecting Odisha Mining Corporations Gandhamardan Block-B mines at Suakati to Gohaldihi railway siding. Numerous local []
Assembly polls: EC advances vote counting date for Arunachal, Sikkim to June 2
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Saturday announced the election schedule of the two northeastern states, along with two other states - Andhra Pradesh and Odisha - where Assembly polls are also due along with the Lok Sabha elections, with the counting date for all set for June 4.
Deep tech startup policy in final stages of inter-ministerial discussion: DPIIT Secretary New
Delhi: A dedicated policy for deep tech startups is in the final stages of inter-ministerial discussion and will be rolled out soon, a senior government official said Monday. Speaking at StartUp Mahakumbh, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said startups need to convert their innovation into intellectual property []
Supreme Court refuses to stay HP Assembly Speaker order disqualifying rebel Congress MLAs
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Monday refused to stay the order of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker disqualifying six Congress rebels, who had cross-voted in the recent Rajya Sabha polls in the state. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta issued notice to the office of HP Assembly speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania and []
Ganja worth Rs 1.50 crore seized in Odishas Boudh
Bhubaneswar: Ganja worth over Rs 1.50 crore was seized in Odishas Boudh district, police said Monday. Acting on a tip-off, a team of the Boudh Model police station conducted a raid in Bidamaska forest near Dimbirikhol village and seized 1,560 kg of ganja, Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad said. When the police personnel approached the []
Oscar winner M.M. Keeravani to do music for Anupam Khers Tanvi The Great
Mumbai: Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who is gearing up for his upcoming directorial Tanvi The Great, has roped in the Oscar and Grammy-winning music director M.M. Keeravani for the film. On Monday, the senior actor took to his Instagram and shared a video from the music session inside a studio, where the composer can be []
3.35 crore people eligible to vote in Lok Sabha, Assembly polls in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: Around 3.35 crore people, including 1.65 crore women, are eligible to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Odisha, an official said Monday. The Lok Sabha and the Assembly elections will be held in four phases between May 13 and June 1. There will be 37,809 polling stations, including 33,429 in []
The Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya Sangathan (OAVS) has released vacancies for Principals and Teachers in the Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas. Interested candidates meeting the eligibility criteria can apply through the official website, oav.edu.in. The recruitment aims to fill 1342 vacancies, with the application process starting on April 1 and ending on April 30.
3.35 cr people eligible to vote in LS, assembly polls in Odisha
The district election officers have been instructed to ensure the availability of minimum facilities such as ramps, drinking water, electricity connection and separate toilet facilities for men and women in all these polling stations for convenience of voters, the official said.
Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) Recruiting for 250 Assistant Training Officer Posts
The Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) has issued a notification for the recruitment of Assistant Training Officer (ATO) vacancies under the director of technical education & training, Government of Odisha. Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria and interested in the vacancy details can read the notification and apply online.
Amid alliance suspense, BJP says it has shortlisted names
Uncertainty looms over BJD-BJP alliance for Odisha elections, impacting Congress candidate announcements. Naveen Patnaik to reveal BJD candidates. Nrushingha Charan Sahu optimistic about BJD's future. Suresh Routray anticipates Congress benefits from alliance talks.
First-timers pledge votes for development, equality
First-time voters prioritize development and law and order. Odia overseas electors' enrolment surged; concerns on voting turnout for NRI electors with proposed proxy voting rights.
Odisha: Siblings tried to extort over 300 govt officials by posing as ED, held
BHUBANESWAR/BERHAMPUR: With the Enforcement Directorate (ED) gaining notoriety over its probe into several high-profile cases and arrests of political leaders and bureaucrats in the recent years, two brothers took advantage of the fear induced by the agencys name to extort money from government officials in Odisha. The duo Tarinisen Mohapatra (30) and his brother Brahmashankar (27) of Dhenkanal was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) of state Crime Branch on Saturday. They had allegedly attempted to extort money from nearly 350 Odisha government officials by impersonating as the Central agencys officers and were reportedly successful in many cases. So far, the agency has traced transactions of over Rs 16 lakh in the bank accounts of the accused. The matter came to light after a complaint was lodged by Chhatrapur sub-collector Debadatta Mohanta with the STF over demand of money by the accused from him by impersonating as an additional director of ED. The STF investigation revealed Tarinisen and Brahmashankar led a luxurious lifestyle and had borrowed huge sum of money from several people in Dhenkanal town. They had fled over a year back after the lenders started demanding their money. They had shifted to Ranchi and started working with an NGO - Upkar. As the NGO based out of the Jharkhand capital was not making profits, the accused hit upon the idea to make some quick money. The duo decided to target collectorate, tehsil, RTO officials and others. They impersonated as ED officers as the central agency is in news recently for its raids pertaining to various cases, sources said. The accused saved their names as one Sanjaya Mishra ED on Truecaller and WhatsApp profiles. They allegedly used to contact government officials by claiming that they were additional director of ED Sanjay Mishra and had received a complaint against them from Vigilance department regarding corruption. They threatened that the Central agency was about to initiate an inquiry and raids against them. If any government official did not respond to their voice /WhatsApp calls, they sent SMSes/WhatsApp messages which read - This side Sanjaya Mishra, additional director of Enforcement Department. My investigation officer tried to connect but you did not attend the call. Make an instant call. It is very urgent, else I cannot control the Vigilance, ED officials revealed. They demanded money from the officials on the pretext of settling/closing the inquiries and cases against them. Tarinisen and Brahmashankar called around 340 government officials in the last three to four months. In most instances, they did not succeed but in some cases they managed to extort money. They received the money through their PhonePe and Google Pay wallets, said STF IG, Jai Narayan Pankaj. After receiving money from their targets, they sent them fabricated clearance letters issued by ED and Central Vigilance Commission. STF is investigating whether the duo extorted money from Jharkhand government officials too by using similar modus operandi, Pankaj added. Pankaj said, Tarinisen is a BCom graduate and Brahmashankar a Plus Two pass out. Brahmashankar had taken admission in BCA but did not complete the course.
Picnic spots in Odisha's Sundargarh pose threat to visitors
ROURKELA: Despite repeated incidents of tragic deaths, mostly involving young people, in the forested and mountainous Sundargarh, locals allege, the district administration remains inactive in implementing proactive measures to address the issue. The latest incident occurred on March 9 this year where two teenage boys and an adult man from Sundargarh town drowned in quicksand at Semina ghat of the Ib river during a family outing. MLA Kusum Tete said amid public outrage, the Sadar tehsildar assured to designate the Semina ghat site a danger zone. She also suggested to secure the area with barbed wires. Though the local villagers are aware of the dangers in the area, the visitors often fall prey due to ignorance, she stated. Expressing similar concerns, Sundargarh Zilla Parishad president Kunti Pradhan emphasised the need for the district administration to identify dangerous unrecognised picnic spots in collaboration with the Forest department and PRI members. They must place safety signage to warn visitors, she added. Tragic incidents in the region include drowning deaths of two schoolboys in the Koel river near Pradhanpali of Rourkela in December 2023 and a student from NIT-Rourkela in the Akaishila waterfall of Bisra block on August 19, 2023. Additionally, several picnickers lost their lives at the Kanakunda picnic spot in Talsara police limits between October 2022 and January 2023. Despite public pressure, only a few sites such as Badalgiri picnic spot in Bonai have been secured against public entry, and the Tarkera pump house site at Rourkela along the Brahmani river remains restricted. Among these perilous locations, the Teterkela ghat of the Koel river near Rourkela remains notorious for claiming the lives of picnickers.
Labourer crushed to death in Odisha, locals block road
JAJPUR: Tension gripped Rahadpur within Dharmasala police limits of the district after a labourer allegedly died and two others sustained grievous injuries in a mishap at a stone crusher unit on Sunday. The identities of the deceased and the injured are yet to be ascertained though they are reported to be from West Bengal. The incident took place when the trio was opening the wheels of a crusher machine, and one of them apparently came under the wheels and died on the spot, while two others sustained serious injuries. The injured were rushed to Jajpur district headquarters hospital (DHH) and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after their condition deteriorated. Their condition is stated to be critical, police said. As the news of the death spread, locals alleged that the crusher unit was being illegally run without any license and blocked the road near Samparu village. No stone crusher unit in Rahadpur and other areas has no objection certificate (NOC) to operate. Local labourers dont get work at these stone crushing units. The owners of stone crushing units are bringing labourers from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh to work here. As the deceased and injured labourers are outsiders, they are yet to be identified even eight hours after the mishap, said a local , Maheswar Das. He alleged the deceased labourers body was being taken to an unknown place by covering it with a black polythene sheet in the back of a pickup truck. Smelling something fishy we detained the vehicle and staged a road blockade in protest. We demand `50 lakh compensation for the kin of the deceased and adequate compensation for the seriously injured labourers. We want the owner of the crusher unit to be punished heavily as he was operating the unit without any valid document, he added. On being informed, police reached the spot and tried to pacify the enraged locals. The road blockade was withdrawn after police assured stern action against the stone crusher unit owner.
All government, political ads in Bhubaneswar to be removed within 72 hrs
BHUBANESWAR: A day after the model code of conduct (MCC) came into force for the ensuing general elections, enforcement teams of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other line departments on Sunday went on an overdrive to remove government advertisements and political hoardings that dotted the cityscape. Early in the morning, municipal workers were seen dismantling banners, posters and hoardings of various political parties and removing government advertisements. Hoardings of Jaga Mission, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana and similar schemes installed at different locations were also covered with white flexes. However, in places like Mancheswar and Jharpada etc., government advertisements were yet to be removed. Government hoardings with the chief ministers photo were also seen in some bus queue shelters and institutional premises in parts of the city. A senior BMC official monitoring the enforcement said as per the MCC norms and instructions issued to them, all advertisements related to government schemes as well as hoardings and posters of political parties will be removed from all places including private spaces in the city within 72 hours. While no scheme-related advertisements or political hoardings will be allowed to be advertised at public places till elections are over, the political parties, candidates or their well-wishers seeking to put up advertisements in the city in due course of time will require to get permission for the same from the returning officer concerned of Bhubaneswar North, Central and Ekamra constituencies, he said. CMs grievance cell closed Bhubaneswar: The grievance cell of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been closed. The chief ministers office said, As the model code is in force now, the chief ministers grievance cell will remain closed till the election process is complete.
Anglia Ruskin University, NIWSASS and Tata Coffee project to add value to Koraput Coffee chain
BHUBANESWAR: The Agriculture department has entered into an agreement with UK-based Anglia Ruskin University, NIWSASS and Tata Coffee to launch a project that would enhance the capacity of Koraputs tribal coffee growers. The coffee growers will be trained on value-addition to the arabica coffee grown on the hills of Koraput, quality management and market linkages. A meeting in this regard was organised among all the stakeholders recently. Principal secretary of Agriculture department Arabinda Kumar Padhee said by teaching farmers about post-harvest processing, grading, sorting, and packaging techniques, the aim is to help them produce high-quality coffee beans that meet international standards. This will not only enhance the market value of their produce but also increase their bargaining power in trade negotiations. The focus is also market linkage as despite the rich coffee-growing potential of Koraput, tribal coffee growers often face challenges in accessing markets. The project aims to bridge this gap by organising them into producer organisations that would help them operate at a larger scale and negotiate better prices, establish strong national and international market linkages.
Manmohan Samal In Delhi With List Of Probable BJP Nominees For Upcoming Elections in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: Manmohan Samal, BJP Odisha unit president, is in Delhi with the list of the partys probable candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly elections. Balasore BJP MP Pratap Sarangi and Organisational Secretary Manas Mohanty are also in the national capital for the meeting. Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, BJP election in-charge for [] The post Manmohan Samal In Delhi With List Of Probable BJP Nominees For Upcoming Elections in Odisha appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
60 per cent booths in Cuttack to be monitored through live webcasting
CUTTACK: Voting in 60 per cent of the polling stations in Cuttack district will be monitored through live webcasting, said collector and district election officer Vineet Bhardwaj here on Sunday. Addressing mediapersons, he said officials deployed for conducting the general elections shall keep a tab on the expenditure incurred by candidates of different political parties. The general elections will be conducted in two phases in the district. While voting in six Assembly segments and the Parliamentary constituency will be held on May 25, polling in the rest three Assembly constituencies will be held on June 1. A total of 21,41,904 voters including 11,00,021 male, 10,41,619 female and 264 transgenders will exercise their franchise in the elections. While as many as 45,218 new voters in age group of 18 to 19 will exercise their franchise for the first time, the district has 829 centenarian and 41,992 PwD voters. A total of 2,274 polling stations including 460 in urban and 1,814 in rural areas are going to be set up in the district. At least 287 Sakhi Booths (solely managed by women) will be set up in the district. Of the total polling stations, as many as 1,364 (60 per cent) will be directly monitored by Election Commission of India through live webcasting, said Bhardwaj. Assured minimum facilities like ramp, drinking water, separate toilets for male and female, electricity, furniture helpdesk and signages will be put up at all the polling stations. We are prepared to conduct free, fair and peaceful elections. Apart from setting up an integrated control room with toll-free number 1950, the C-Vigil Application has also been activated for receiving complaints from people. Officials of expenditure monitoring teams have been imparted training on keeping a tab on election expenditure, said Bhardwaj. Among others, ADM (Revenue) Umakant Raj, ADM (General) Shibo Toppo, ADM (Development) Dibya Lochan Mohanty and sub-collector Jyoti Shankar Ray were present in the press conference. Battle of ballot 21,41,904 voters including 11,00,021 male, 10,41,619 female and 264 transgenders will exercise their franchise 45,218 new voters in age group of 18 to 19 will exercise their franchise for the first time 2,274 polling stations including 460 in urban and 1,814 in rural areas are going to be set up in the district
CMCs public libraries lack basic amenities
CUTTACK: The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has set up public libraries in several slums of the city for the benefit of school students and youth. But while the libraries have been well received by locals, they lack basic facilities like drinking water and toilets. As per reports, there are 264 identified slums in 59 wards of CMC. In a bid to inculcate reading habit among the residents especially youth and students by making books easily available to them, the civic body has so far constructed eight libraries at Tilak Nagar, Dhabaleswar Gada, Krushak Bazaar, Jagatpur, Nimpur and Bali Sahi slums. The civic body has also engaged attendants (one each for a library) from a local self-help group for maintenance of the facilities. The libraries can accommodate 50 readers each at a time and get electricity through solar power. But while the visitors can arrange water from home, absence of toilets pose a problem for them,said Akhila Odisha Jhopadi Patti Mahasangha president Brundaban Das Azad. CMC mayor Subhas Singh said steps are being taken to construct the facilities at the libraries.
15-year-old Odisha students death: Family levels accusations of negligence
BERHAMPUR: Unease prevails in Siriguda area of Rayagada district following the death of a 15-year-old student of the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) late on Saturday night. Identified as Mahendra Majhi, the Class-VIII student belonging to Khrugaon village, passed away while undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in Rayagada. School officials claim Mahendra had been unwell for the past six months and was immediately taken to the DHH when his condition worsened. We rushed him to the hospital around 10.20 pm on a motorcycle, reaching within five to six minutes, but he passed away during treatment, stated teacher Arun Behera to the media. As soon as the news of Mahendras demise reached his parents, they rushed to the school and accused the school authorities of negligence. The family stated they were kept in the dark about his health issues. Mahendras father, Ami Majhi, alleged they were never informed about his sons deteriorating health, holding the school accountable for his untimely death. Furthermore, Mahendras elder brother, Babun Majhi, asserted that his sibling was physically fit and an avid hockey player. Rayagada Adivasi Mahasangha president, Apal Swamy Kadraka, demanded a high-level probe into Mahendras death, blaming the authorities for the untimely death of the student. However, the Integrated Tribal Development Agency authorities under which the school functions have remained tight-lipped on the matter. However, sources in the Child Welfare Committee of Rayagada stated that a team will reach the school and investigate the matter on Monday. Ekalavya Model Residential School is an initiative by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
65 child marriages among tribals prevented in Odisha's Koraput in 12 months
JEYPORE: In a significant achievement, the Koraput district administration has prevented around 65 child marriages, especially among the tribal communities, in the last one year. Child marriage is prevalent in tribal communities including Paraja, Gadaba, Bhumiya, Bhatra, Halwa, Soura and Kondh, as their traditional customs ordain that girls should marry below the age of 18 and boys below 21. The practice is more acute in remote areas including Dasmantpur, Narayanpatana, Bandhugaon, Laxmipur, Lamataput, Pottangi, Borigumma, Kundra and Boipariguda. As part of efforts to prevent child marriage across the district, the administration has formed grassroots-level child protection committees along with panchayat representatives, health and social welfare department officials and police. The committee has successfully stopped several child marriage cases and provided counselling to the girls, boys and their parents to deter them from such social bondage. We prevented the occurrence of child marriage just before their parents were about to perform the traditional rituals, and made them aware about the legal and penal provisions against it, said ICDS supervisor-cum-member of child protection unit of Dasmantpur Akhabati Muska. He added that two such cases were prevented in Lulla panchayat during the last two months by the committee. However, despite repeated awareness efforts at the grassroots level and surveillance in block and district level, such issues have not been completely eradicated due to tribal parents concealing marriages following the elopement of their minor children. We face tough task in preventing such cases in remote villages, even after getting information about child marriages, where tribal girls engage in Udliya (elopement of minor girl) with youths from the villages to other areas without sharing their details, said a senior block level child protection committee member of Kundra. However, the issue of child marriage is reviewed every month by the block and district level protection committee for further action. Every three months, we receive reports on child marriage prevention from different blocks, which are then reviewed at the district level to determine the next steps, informed district coordinator of child marriage Prasanna Mishra.
Odisha fishermen demand jobs amid Jagannath Sagar renovation
JEYPORE: Fishermen from Jayanagar in Jeypore town on Saturday urged the district administration to provide them with alternative employment opportunities following disruption of fishing activities due to the ongoing renovation works at the Jagannath Sagar lake. The administration launched a `21 crore development project to renovate the 300-year-old Jagannath Sagar in Jeypore. As part of the renovation process, the water body has been drained, with the water released into the nearby Sati river to facilitate the removal of mud from the tank using machinery. Approximately 113 fishing families from the Jayanagar area rely on daily fishing activities in the large pond for their livelihood. With the water body undergoing renovation, these families have been left without their primary source of income. In a memorandum addressed to the district administration through the Jeypore sub-collector, the affected fishermen requested proper employment opportunities for at least one year until they can resume fishing in the renovated pond. They also sought assurance of sustainable livelihoods during the period of renovation.
Two killed, 10 hurt as van turns turtle in Odisha
JEYPORE: Two persons were killed and 10 others suffered grievous injuries after a van carrying members of a wedding party overturned near Khatalapadar bridge within Kundra police limits in Koraput district on Sunday. Police identified the deceased as Chuti Balia (61) and Lachama Rampuria (18) of Dhalpur village in Boipariguda. Sources said at least 40 people from the brides side left Dhalpur village in a van to attend the wedding ceremony at Nuagaon in Kotpad block. Near Khatalapadar bridge, the van driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a curve road. Subsequently, the van overturned and fell into a roadside gorge. While Chuti and Lachama were killed instantly, 10 sustained serious injuries. On being informed, police and fire services personnel rushed to the spot and rescued the passengers trapped in the van with the help of locals. The injured persons have been admitted to the district headquarters hospital, Jeypore and Saheed Laxman Naik Medical College and Hospital, Koraput. Kundra police has registered a case and further investigation is underway.