CM Mohan Majhi places multiple demands at NITI Aayog meet for Vikshit Odisha
BHUBANESWAR, JULY 27: Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday placed multiple demands at the 9th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog for all-round development of the state by 2036. The year 2036 marks the completion of 100 years of the statehood of Odisha. Hence, the next decade is crucial for us. We have started working on a strategy to stimulate high growth to realise the dream of Viksit Odisha by 2036, leading eventually to Viksit Bharat by 2047, said the CM. This was the maiden appearance of Majhi at the countrys highest policy deliberation body after being sworn-in as the new CM of Odisha on June 12. The CMs demands ranged from making best use of the states natural resources, leveraging its skilled workforce and strategic location to building new infrastructure in different sectors, including ports, industries and renewable energy. To leverage Odishas long coastline of 480 km, we shall adopt the model of port-led development, positioning us as the gateway to Eastern and South Eastern Asia and a port of call for neighbouring landlocked states. Support is therefore required for establishment of large-scale port-based industrial zones in areas surrounding the existing ports of Dhamra and Gopalpur; while further developing greenfield ports at Astaranga, Palur, Bahuda, and Subarnarekha. In this regard, salt pan land of around 4300 acres owned by the Central Government in Ganjam district may be transferred to the State Government early, the CM said. Odisha is already building its infrastructure such as industrial parks and corridors, electricity grids, railway infrastructure and enhanced air connectivity. The CM sought dedicated budget allocations and quick clearances from the Centre for all these infrastructure projects. Stating that Odisha, though prone to natural disasters, had emerged as a pioneer in disaster management, demonstrating remarkable resilience; the CM said financial support of the Union government for creation of disaster-resilient infrastructure in power, telecom sectors and coastal saline embankments will help the State in minimising the adverse consequences of cyclones and floods. Asserting that Odisha is recognized as a potential green economy, Majhi sought support for Pumped Hydro Storage Plants (PSPs) projects, Floating Solar Projects (FSPs) and intrastate green energy transmission corridor projects. To ensure financial inclusion, the CM urged the Union government to expedite opening more numbers of brick and mortar bank branches and ATMs in the unbanked/ under-banked gram panchayats. Odisha has a lower railway density compared to the national average. The CM urged the Centre to consider its demand for increasing railway density in the state. With over 33 per cent forest cover, Odisha plays a crucial role in environment protection. However, the state's high forest cover limits its ability to utilize land for development projects, affecting its economic growth. I urge the Central government to consider incentivising Odisha for reducing its carbon footprint and rendering ecological services, the CM said. Observing that Odisha has a growing pool of talented tech professionals, a thriving startup ecosystem and an ambitious semiconductor policy, Majhi sought support for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and State-of-the-art technology for design and manufacturing semiconductors.
Odisha forest officials use drone technology to arrest timber mafia
BHUBANESWAR : A joint team of police and forest department officials of Odisha has managed to arrest six timber mafias by monitoring their movement by making use of drone technology. The culprits were held from Santarapur village under Ghatagaon block in Keonjhar district on Saturday morning, the state forest department said. The joint team also seized valuable wooden logs comprising Sal, Saguan and Gambhari worth over Rs 50 lakh from their possession. Sources said the forest department officials and police had deployed a couple of drones to monitor the movement of the mafias on Friday night. After keeping a close vigil on them, the joint team subsequently launched a raid at the village early on Saturday morning and nabbed the criminals. These culprits came to our net after persistent efforts. Every time we tried to intercept them, they would retaliate by pelting stones, attacking us with iron rods. Though we were successful on several occasions, many times they managed to flee from our clutches, said HD Dhanraj, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Keonjhar. Sharing details about the operation to arrest the mafias, Dhanraj said, It was challenging, but not impossible. We had deployed a couple of drones to monitor their activity and they were all aware of it, Dhanraj added. The village was once used to be a citadel for the timber mafias as it was inaccessible for the police and forest department officials. However, with the new BJP government coming to power in the state, the police, forest and revenue department officials have changed their strategies and are taking action against the mafias, sources said.
Govt Moves Two BSF Battalions from Odisha to Militancy-Hit Jammu
NEW DELHI: The government has ordered the extraction of two BSF battalions, comprising more than 2,000 personnel, from Odisha to beef up security in the terror-hit Jammu region along the India-Pakistan border, official sources said on Saturday. The decision to immediately move the two units from the anti-Naxal operations grid to Jammu was taken in [] The post Govt Moves Two BSF Battalions from Odisha to Militancy-Hit Jammu appeared first on Kashmir Life .
Odisha Court Sentences 55-year-old Man to 20 Years in Jail for Raping Teenage Boy
The special POCSO court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the convict and, in case of default, he would have to undergo an additional two years in jail
Government moves two BSF battalions from Odisha to Jammu amidst rising terror attacks
NEW DELHI: The government has ordered the extraction of two BSF battalions, comprising more than 2,000 personnel, from Odisha to beef up security in the terror-hit Jammu region along the India-Pakistan border, official sources said on Saturday. The decision to immediately move the two units from the anti-Naxal operations grid to Jammu was taken in the wake of the recent spate of terror attacks in the region, sources told PTI. Officials in the security establishment said the two Border Security Force (BSF) units were meant to be deployed as the second line of defence behind the first tier of its units deployed along the international border in the Jammu area to check infiltration of terrorists from across the frontier, apart from attacks by these elements in the hinterland. The troops of these two units are expected to be based in Samba and near the Jammu-Punjab border, the sources said. Two recent meetings, one in Delhi and one in Jammu, of the top security brass necessitated bolstering BSF deployment in Jammu. There was a proposal to move these two BSF battalions from Odisha to Chattisgarh but these units are now being sent to Jammu, given the current situation said a senior officer, requesting anonymity. The BSF guards more than 2,289 kilometres of the international boundary that runs along Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat in India's western flank. The Jammu region accounts for 485 kilometres of this border, interspersed with dense forests and mountainous terrain. About a dozen BSF battalions are deployed along the international border region in Jammu. Security in the Jammu area has come into focus following a series of terror attacks in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua and Doda districts this year that have led to the killings of 22 people, including 11 security personnel and a village defence guard member. Five terrorists were killed in two encounters in Kathua and Doda districts last month. Jawan killed, four others injured as Army foils attack by Pakistan's BAT in J&K's Kupwara One BSF battalion, the sources said, was being withdrawn from Malkangiri district and the other from Koraput district of Odisha on the directions of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The officials said deploying replacements for these two battalions was a decision that would be taken later. The deployment of BSF troops in the second line and depth areas along Jammu and other parts of the international border has been a long proposed plan after officers of the force and experts pointed out that such a backup would help check infiltration and terrorist activities in the hinterland. The Jammu area is vulnerable to cross-border tunnels and its dense forests and mountainous terrain make it an ideal ground for terrorists to launch attacks against civilians and security forces. The infrastructure for the second line deployment will have to be created over the next few months and years and, till that time, the new two units will man the Jammu international border, a senior officer in Jammu and Kashmir said.
Govt moves over 2,000 BSF personnel from Odisha to terror-hit Jammu
The government has ordered the extraction of two BSF battalions, comprising more than 2,000 personnel, from Odisha to beef up security in the terror-hit Jammu region along the India-Pakistan border, official sources said on Saturday. The decision to immediately move the two units from the anti-Naxal operations grid to Jammu was taken in the wake of the recent spate of terror attacks in the region, the sources told PTI. Officials in the security establishment said the two Border Security Force (BSF) units were meant to be deployed as the second line of defence behind the first tier of its units deployed along the international border in the Jammu area to check infiltration of terrorists from across the frontier, apart from attacks by these elements in the hinterland. The troops of these two units are expected to be based in Samba and near the Jammu-Punjab border, the sources said. Two recent meetings, one in Delhi and one in Jammu, of the top security brass necessitated bolster
Among the states, Odisha (624), Jharkhand (474) and West Bengal (436) have reported the highest human deaths in conflict with elephants between the 2019-23 period
In RTI replies, collectors feign ignorance about V.K. Pandians extravaganza tours in Odisha
Activists expressed surprise over unavailability of information about those visits though those were official and conducted with the approval of former CM Patnaik
On Kargil Vijay Diwas, six BJP-led states announce job quotas for Agniveers
Gujarat, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand announced the reservations in police forces, government jobs, etc.
Odisha CM announces 10 per cent reservation for Agniveers
Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced 10 per cent reservation for Agniveers of his state. Speaking to mediapersons at Lokseva Bhawan before leaving for Delhi to attend the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, CM Majhi said: All the soldiers of Indian armed forces are our pride. The 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 .
Budget will push back devpt: BJD
Naveen asks Mamata to ensure potato supply to state
Govt planning to hire 16,519 junior teachers for schools
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Vigilance arrests engineer for possessing DA worth over 10cr
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CMO: Social organisations, people lauded state budget
Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Announces 10% Reservation for Agniveers in Uniform Services
Bhubaneswar: Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced reservation for the Agniveers in various uniform services in the state. Addressing media persons here in the evening, the CM announced 10 per cent reservation for the Agniveers. He also announced an age relaxation of five years for the Agniveers to apply for other services. Agniveer Yojana is a landmark scheme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This scheme has made the youth of the country competent, courageous and capable. This scheme plays an important role in building youths who can accept the challenges in all spheres of life, he said. That is why the state government has decided to take them into the uniformed services of Odisha. I am announcing here that 10 per cent reservation will be given to the Agniveers of Odisha for recruitment in all uniformed services of the state. The age limit for them will also be relaxed by 5 years, he added.
Hotels plan to make room in Bihar, Odisha
More hoteliers could expand in Bihar and Odisha as budget proposals encouraged tourism development. Indian Hotels Company and Radisson have already launched new projects in the region, citing growing opportunities. Hotel chains are aligning with government initiatives, which aim to improve infrastructure and attract tourists. The hospitality industry anticipates further growth with enhanced connectivity and upgraded pilgrimage sites.
An evening in Paris: Olympics opening ceremony starts with Parade of the Nations
Paris: The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games began with the Parade of the Nations here in which athletes from 205 countries sailed down the iconic Seine river on boats, marking a dreamy break from tradition despite rain threatening to play spoilsport. French President Emmanuel Macron and International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach were in []
Rs70 crore allocated for Rayagada Railway Division in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The railway ministry has allocated Rs70 crore for the Rayagada Railway Division in Odisha under the East Coast Railway Zone, officials said Friday. The establishment of the Rayagada Railway Division is poised to bring significant benefits to the region, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth, they said. The allocation to the state was informed []
Ashwini Vaishnaw allocates Rs 70 cr for Odisha's Rayagada Railway Division
The railway ministry has allocated Rs 70 crore for the Rayagada Railway Division in Odisha under the East Coast Railway Zone, officials said Friday. The establishment of the Rayagada Railway Division is poised to bring significant benefits to the region, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth, they said. The allocation to the state was informed to Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi, who met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi. I thank the railway minister for addressing the much-awaited and public-centric Rayagada Railway Division issue. We have had thorough discussions with the minister and I am pleased to announce that most of the formalities for the formation of the Rayagada Division is going to be completed. The work will be started soon once the tenders are in place, Majhi said in a statement. The ECoR zone presently has three divisions at Khurda Road, Sambalpur and Waltair. The new Rayagada division will be created by bifurcating Waltair.
Odisha announces 10 pc reservation for Agniveers in states uninformed services
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government Friday announced a 10 per cent quota and five-year age relaxation for Agniveers in the states uninformed services. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement before leaving for Delhi to attend the governing council meeting of the NITI Aayog Saturday. Our soldiers are our pride. Agniveers, who are trained by []
Odisha scribes meet CM over pension provision
Bhubaneswar: A group of working journalists Friday met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and urged the state government to provide pension to scribes. They also requested Majhi to functionalise the journalists accreditation council and make provisions for an annual pass system to enter the state secretariat for news coverage. During the interaction with CM, []
Vigilance arrests Odisha engineer with assets exceeding income by 257%
Bhubaneswar: Anti-corruption vigilance officers on Friday arrested the chief construction engineer of Lower Suktel project in Odishas Bolangir on charges of possessing assets 257 per cent more than his declared income. A case has been filed against Sunil Kumar Rout under Section 13(2) r/w 13(1)(b)/12 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, officials said. []
Two more ESI hospitals to come up in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Friday approved a proposal to set up two new employees state insurance (ESI) hospitals in the state. The hospitals will come up in Keonjhar and Sonepur towns, and largely benefit workers and their family members, Majhi said in a statement. At present, four ESI hospitals and 41 dispensaries []
Odisha announces 10 pc reservation for Agniveers in state`s uninformed services
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement before leaving for Delhi to attend the NITI Aayog on Saturday
Kargil Vijay Diwas: MP to UP, 5 states announce job quotas for Agniveers
The Odisha government on Friday announced a 10 per cent quota and five years of age relaxation for Agniveers in the state's uninformed services. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement before leaving for Delhi to attend the governing council meeting of the NITI Aayog on Saturday. Our soldiers are our pride. Agniveers, who are trained by our defence forces, are qualified to serve the nation in various security-related sectors, he said. The Agniveer scheme is a historic initiative launched by PM Narendra Modi. This initiative has made our youth able and fearless so that they can face various challenges in life. That is why the Odisha government has decided to recruit Agniveers in the state's uniformed services, he added.
Haridwar: Cloth sheets hung to cover mosques, mazar on kanwar route, later removed
Haridwar: Facades of two mosques and a mazar along the kanwar yatra route in Uttarakhands Haridwar city were on Friday covered with large sheets of white cloth to prevent trouble but were removed by the evening after objections from various quarters. The sheets were hung on bamboo scaffoldings in front of two mosques and a []
10% Quota, Age Relaxations For Agniveers In Odisha's Uninformed Services
The Odisha government on Friday announced a 10 per cent quota and five years of age relaxation for Agniveers in the state's uninformed services.
Odisha Caps Potato Prices at Rs 32 Amid Price Surge
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Friday asked traders not to sell potatoes at more than Rs 32 per kilogram. The order came as the consumers grappled with the spiraling price of the kitchen essential vegetable. Potatoes at many places across the state sold at Rs 50 a kilogram on Friday, causing a serious discontentment among the consumers. In a bid to have a reality check, state food and supplies and consumer welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra visited several potato godowns in Bhubaneswar on Friday morning. After taking stock of the situation, Patra said, , I along with my officers visited many godowns in Bhubaneswar. After inquiring, I found that they are buying potatoes at Rs 27 per kg. When asked at what price potato should be sold in the retail market, the godown owners replied that it should not be priced more than Rs 32 per kg. So I request all traders to sell the essential kitchen commodity at Rs 32 per kg or else necessary action will be taken against them, Patra added. The minister warned hoarders and black marketers to refrain from troubling the common people unnecessarily. Terming West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjees decision to stop potato export to other states unfortunate, Patra said we are in talks with the Uttar Pradesh government. If the need arises, we will give the necessary permission to procure tuber from them. An important meeting was convened in the evening to chalk out plans to curb the price rise. The retail price of potatoes has reached Rs 45-50 per kg in Odisha. This is causing huge inconvenience to the common man. We urge the Odisha government to take appropriate steps to bring the price of the essential commodity under control and ensure its adequate supplies to the consumers, said Sonali Sahu, state Congress spokesperson. Reports from northern Odisha district Balasore said many trucks carrying potatoes from West Bengal were pulled back by the Mamata Banerjee government ostensibly to avoid scarcity of the commodity in that state.
Over two months after Porsche crash, Pune police file chargesheet; teens parents among seven named
Pune: Police have filed a chargesheet against seven accused in the Porsche car accident case, including the parents of a minor boy who was allegedly behind the wheel, in a Pune court, more than two months after the fatal crash, an official said Friday. The 900-page chargesheet, submitted Thursday, has excluded the 17-year-old boy, whose []
Maruti Suzuki gets tax demand of Rs 779.2 crore from I-T authorities
New Delhi: Automaker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd Friday said it has received a demand of Rs 779.2 crore, including interest from the Income Tax authority. The company has received a final assessment order for the financial year 2019-20 from the Income Tax authority, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) said in a regulatory filing. The order []
Low pressure over Bay of Bengal may trigger heavy rainfall in Odisha over next four days: IMD
Bhubaneswar: A low-pressure area, the third in a month, over north Bay of Bengal and adjacent coastal areas of Bangladesh and Gangetic West Bengal is likely to trigger heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha over the next four days, weather officials said Friday. Under its impact, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in isolated []
Vientiane (Laos): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Friday met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and other leaders from Brunei, New Zealand and Laos and discussed various aspects of bilateral collaboration, including education and agriculture technology. Jaishankar is in the capital of the Laos Peoples Democratic Republic to participate in the meetings of the Association of []
NTA declares final results of NEET-UG; 17 candidates share top rank, down from 61 in revised results
NEW DELHI: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the re-revised results for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-UG 2024, following a directive from the Supreme Court of India. The NEET (UG) 2024 toppers' data reveals a competitive and diverse group of high achievers from across India. The top scorers achieved a perfect 720 marks with a percentile of 99.9992714, representing both male and female candidates from regions such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal, and Kerala. This year, the All-India Rank 1 was originally shared by 67 students. Among them, six students were awarded extra marks for time lost due to invigilator errors, while 44 students received grace marks for an incorrect physics question. With the Supreme Courts decision to accept only one accurate answer for each question, the 44 students who previously scored 715 out of 720 were ranked after those who scored 720 and the 70 students who received 716 marks out of 720. 17 candidates share top rank, down from 61 in revised results. #NEETUG final results out 17 candidates share top rank, down from 61 in revised results List of 100 toppers : @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard pic.twitter.com/0RgqDHHqG5 Kavita Bajeli-Datt (@KavitaDatt) July 26, 2024 The NEET (UG) 2024 examination, initially conducted on May 5, 2024, spanned 4750 centers across 571 cities, including 14 international locations. This massive logistical operation aimed to ensure a smooth and fair assessment process for every candidate. However, a re-examination on June 23, 2024, was necessitated for 1563 candidates who faced time constraints during the original test date. As the results pave the way for the next phase, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) will spearhead the counseling for 15% All India Quota seats, along with seats in Deemed Universities, Central Universities, and other specific institutions. Candidates are advised to stay informed through the official MCC website for detailed counseling schedules and procedures. For state quota and other specific seats, candidates will need to apply through their respective state counseling authorities. SC refuses to cancel NEET-UG, sees no 'systemic breach' to exam's sanctity The tie-breaking mechanism, a critical component in a highly competitive exam like NEET, is methodically structured. It prioritizes higher marks in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and the number of correct answers, followed by the candidates application number in ascending order. Among the top 20 female toppers, Prachita from Rajasthan and Palansha Agarwal from Maharashtra stand out with their perfect scores. These female toppers hail from different states, including Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, highlighting the geographic diversity and academic excellence of female candidates. On the male side, Mridul Manya Anand from Delhi and Ayush Naugraiya from Uttar Pradesh are notable for their perfect scores. The male toppers come from a variety of states, such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Kerala, showcasing the widespread distribution of top talent. In the category-wise analysis, the Unreserved (UR) category features candidates like Ayush Naugraiya and Prachita, who achieved the highest percentile of 99.9992714. This category includes top candidates from a broad range of states, underscoring the competitive nature of the exam across the country. The OBC-NCL category sees high achievers like Mridul Manya Anand from Delhi and Mazin Mansoor from Bihar, both scoring a perfect 720 marks. These top candidates represent states like Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, indicating strong performances from diverse backgrounds. In the EWS category, Ayush Naugraiya from Uttar Pradesh and Devesh Joshi from Rajasthan lead the pack. This categorys top candidates come from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, reflecting the inclusivity of the NEET (UG) exam. The SC category is led by Rajaneesh P from Tamil Nadu, who achieved a perfect score. Other top SC candidates come from Tripura, Gujarat, Odisha, Karnataka, Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, showing a broad representation from across India. The ST category features Guguloth Venkata Nripesh from Telangana and Akshat Katara from Rajasthan as prominent toppers. This category includes candidates from Telangana, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, highlighting the diverse origins of top performers. State-wise, Delhi boasts top scorers like Mridul Manya Anand and Divyansh, who achieved perfect scores. Rajasthan shines with multiple top candidates, including Prachita, Saurav, Devesh Joshi, and Iram Quazi. Maharashtras high achievers include Palansha Agarwal, Mane Neha Kuldeep, and Shubhan Sengupta, while Uttar Pradesh features leading candidates such as Ayush Naugraiya and Aryan Yadav. Other states like Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat also have multiple candidates in the top ranks, reflecting the widespread talent and preparation levels across India. The NEET (UG) 2024 toppers' data showcases a highly competitive environment with top performers emerging from various regions and categories. The diversity in the top ranks highlights the inclusivity of the examination process, ensuring opportunities for candidates from different backgrounds and states. This data reflects the dedication and excellence of the candidates, setting a high standard for future aspirants. LINK TO CHECK NEET UG FINAL REVISED SCORECARD LINK TO CHECK REVISED FINAL NEET UG ANSWER KEY NEET-UG: Petitioners allege lack of surveillance, complete systematic failure in exam
Naveen Patnaik writes to Mamata, seeks intervention for supply of potatoes to Odisha
Bhubaneswar: Odishas Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik wrote to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday, seeking her intervention to ensure a smooth supply of potatoes to Odisha where prices have skyrocketed. In the letter, Patnaik said that due to rains, there has been a short supply of potatoes in Odisha, resulting in an artificial []
36% children aged under five stunted, 17% underweight: WCD Minister
New Delhi: About 17 per cent children in the age group of 0-5 years are underweight, while 36 per cent are stunted and 6 per cent are wasted, the Women and Child Development Ministry said Friday. Stunted, wasted and underweight are key indicators of malnutrition in children aged between 0-5 years. Stunted growth refers to []
Odisha: Mangrove plantation drive in three coastal districts carried out
Bhubaneswar: On the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, people in three coastal districts of Odisha Friday planted mangroves to regenerate denuded coastal forest cover. The mangrove plantations in cyclone-vulnerable areas of Odisha are being stepped up and awareness especially for youth and school children, are being organised by Reliance Foundation and []
Odisha: Opposition targets BJP govt alleging mismanagement during Puri Rath Yatra
Bhubaneswar: Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress Friday criticised the BJP government in Odisha alleging severe mismanagement of the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath held in Puri this month. Initiating a debate on an adjournment motion in the Assembly, Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Rama Chandra Kadam claimed that the BJP, which came to []
Death toll rises to 33 in Philippine typhoon
Manila: The death toll from the severe flooding and landslides triggered by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Gaemi has risen to 33, police said Friday. Police said 11 people died in the Philippine capital region, Manila, 12 in the Calabarzon region, and 10 from Central Luzon, including the crew of an oil tanker that []
Odisha to organise 'Utkarsha Utkal' to attract investments
BHUBANESWAR: Keeping in line with the election manifesto to bring in domestic investment of over Rs 2.5 lakh crore and foreign direct investment (FDI) of over 2 billion USD by 2029, the state government has proposed to organise 'Utkarsha Utkal' investment summits in place of Make-in-Odisha conclave. While a budgetary support of Rs 120 crore has been made to conduct investment summits, investment promotion and publicity, an outlay of Rs 808 crore has been proposed to facilitate the industrial promotion activities. The Industries and MSME sector has been allocated Rs 1,555 crore apart from Rs 200 crore for land bank scheme, Rs 122 crore grants to IPICOL, Rs 50 crore for Din Dayal Karmachari Niwas in Industrial Townships, Rs 80 crore for promotion of MSMEs, Rs 58 crore for MSME development programme, Rs 24 crore for development of industrial clusters and Rs 10 crore for development of mega food parks. The state government will implement promoting regional opportunities and sustaining entrepreneurial resilience (PROSPER-Odisha) scheme to promote industrial clusters. This will ensure support to 1,000 entrepreneurs every year. An outlay of Rs 20 crore has been made to develop an industrial corridor connecting Rourkela, Sambalpur, Paradip and Dhamra by June 2027. A budgetary provision of Rs 10 crore has been proposed to develop multi modal logistics parks in eight locations under the 'Connect Odisha' initiative. To promote ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products in the state, Rs 10 crore has been allocated under the scheme 'Financial Assistance for Development of Mega Food Parks'. A new scheme 'FDI park in the state capital region' with a budgetary provision of Rs 20 crore has been planned to develop Odisha into a robust manufacturing hub, with special focus on the automobile, EV, semiconductor, and IT/ITES industry. Another new scheme 'Din Dayal Karmachari Niwas in Industrial Townships' has been proposed to construct hostels or apartment complexes in industrial towns like Kalinga Nagar, Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Bhubaneswar, Jagatpur, Keonjhar and Damanjodi to provide housing facilities to the lower income group industrial workers. An allocation of Rs 50 crore has been made for the purpose. The state government announced to build a Film City in the state for which Rs 20 crore has been proposed under the scheme 'Redevelopment of Kalinga Studio Ltd'. A provision of Rs 110 crore has been proposed for establishment of 11 MSME parks. In order to reduce the interest burden of the manufacturing MSMEs and exporters of the state by supporting their working capital need, a provision of Rs 80 crore has been made under 'Chief Ministers Scheme for Reimbursement of Interest to MSMEs (CM-SRIM)'. The 'Odisha Startup Growth Fund' has been conceptualised with an outlay of Rs 25 crore to increase capital inflow to state-registered start-ups at various levels and to enhance their potential. Besides, a provision of Rs 35 crore has been made under 'Financial Assistance for MSMEs under Start up Policy'. For promotion and sale of the state's own one district, one product (ODOPs), GI products and other handicraft products, a unity mall is being constructed at Bhubaneswar. The unity mall will have provisions for a sales outlet for selling handicraft products of all states and UTs.
Written Test Dates for OSSSC Pharmacist & Multipurpose Health Worker 2024 Released
The Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has released a notification for the recruitment of Multipurpose Health Worker (Male) and Pharmacist vacancies. Interested candidates who meet all the eligibility criteria can read the full notification and apply online. This blog post provides detailed information about the application process, important dates, eligibility criteria, and vacancy details.
Over 2,500 people died in five years in human-elephant conflicts: Govt data
Human-elephant conflicts led to 2,853 human deaths over the past five years, peaking at 628 in 2023, according to government data. Odisha reported the highest fatalities. The central government supports wildlife habitat management through financial aid and issued guidelines to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and protect elephant corridors.
2 coaches of good train derail near Bhubaneswar railway station
Biju dropped as Odisha govt rebrands schemes in budget
The newly elected Mohan Majhi government in Odisha has rebranded two key schemes from the previous administration. Biju Swasthya Kalyana Yojana (BSKY) is now Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) and is integrated with Ayushman Bharat. The Kalia cash incentive programme for farmers will be replaced by CM KISAN. Additionally, Biju Patnaik's name was removed from the free laptop distribution scheme, now named after poet Godabarisha Mishra. These changes came shortly after Majhi reversed a decision to drop Biju Patnaik's name from the state's sports award.
Odisha govt presents Rs 2.65 trn budget for FY25, renames several schemes
The BJP government in Odisha presented its maiden budget on Thursday with a total estimate of Rs 2.65 lakh crore for the 2024-25 fiscal, laying emphasis on agriculture and women empowerment. The size of the budget for the current financial year was around 15 per cent more than the budgetary estimate of Rs 2.30 lakh crore for the 2023-24 fiscal, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said in the assembly. Majhi, who also holds the finance portfolio, modified and renamed several popular schemes like KALIA, 'Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana' (BSKY) and 'Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana' (BPGY). He proposed an outlay of Rs 33,919 crore for agriculture, which is about 36 per cent more than the allocation made in the previous year. Of the total budget estimates, programme expenditure was pegged at Rs 1.55 lakh crore, administrative expenditure at Rs 97,725 crore and an outlay of Rs 3,900 crore for Disaster Risk Management Funds, he said. To ensure the speedy empowerment of women, as promised by the BJP in
Social security pensions hiked to 3,500/month
50 crore for initiative to improve primary teaching
State moves Centre for 11 new railway lines
Urban infra gets major push; 1kcr for city Metro project in 1st phase
Painting of LAccMI buses to improve aesthetic appeal: Min
Cyber fraudsters dupe Rourkela man of 30.41L
CM: De-addiction centres in dists; govt to allocate 20cr for project
Rural devpt body signs 13 pacts to give skill training
Govt intensifies crackdown on mining mafia
In a first, 10 dacoits booked for organised crime under BNS
Budget has only changed names of existing schemes
Pandit Nilamani Vidyaratna: A pioneer of Odia literature and culture
Born December 14, 1867, in the culturally rich region of Brajbiharipur Village (Baideshwar) in Banki, Cuttack district, Pandit Nilamani Vidyaratna emerged as a towering figure in literature, culture, and social reform. Renowned for his extraordinary scholarship, creativity, courage, and patriotism, he was aptly honoured with the title Vidyaratna by Maharani Kusumvati and Maharaja Dasharathi Mangaraj []
Odisha government allocates Rs 21,200 crore for public health
Odisha government to open de-addiction centres in every district
Siblings die of downing in Odishas Ganjam district
Berhampur: Two minor siblings died of drowning, while another minor girl missed death by a whisker Thursday, while playing near a village pond in Odishas Ganjam district, police said. The incident happened in Marei Naugaon under the jurisdiction of Khallikote police station, a police officer said. The deceased children were identified as Sudip (6) and []
Odisha presents Rs 2.65 trn budget for FY25 with focus on agri, women
The BJP government in Odisha presented its maiden budget on Thursday with a total estimate of Rs 2.65 lakh crore for the 2024-25 fiscal, laying emphasis on agriculture and women empowerment. The size of the budget for the current financial year was around 15 per cent more than the budgetary estimate of Rs 2.30 lakh crore for the 2023-24 fiscal, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said in the assembly. Majhi, who also holds the finance portfolio, proposed an outlay of Rs 33,919 crore for agriculture, which is about 36 per cent more than the allocation made in the previous year. Of the total budget estimates, programme expenditure was pegged at Rs 1.55 lakh crore, administrative expenditure at Rs 97,725 crore and an outlay of Rs 3,900 crore for Disaster Risk Management Funds, he said. To ensure the speedy empowerment of women, as promised by the BJP in its election manifesto, Majhi allocated Rs 10,000 crore for the 'Subhadra' scheme, a financial assistance programme for women. The chi
Joe Biden says he quit re-election bid to save US democracy
Washington: US President Joe Biden has said his decision to quit the 2024 presidential race and endorse Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee was aimed at unifying the nation and passing the torch to a new generation. In an emotional prime-time televised address to the nation Wednesday, Biden told Americans that he decided to []
No action against anti-India elements exposes Canadas double standards: MEA
New Delhi: India Thursday reiterated that it expects Canada to take action against anti-India elements otherwise the rule of law and respect for pluralism in the country will continue to be severely undermined. When a democracy adopts different yardsticks to measure or implement the rule of law and freedom of expression, it only exposes its []
Odisha Anganwadi Recruitment 2024: Application Process and Key Details
The Odisha Department of Women & Child Development (OWCD) has announced the recruitment for over 2,500 Anganwadi Workers and Helpers across 30 districts in the state. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through the OWCDs official website.
Odisha govt presents Rs 2.65 lakh crore budget for FY'25
The Odisha government presented a Rs 2.65 lakh crore budget for 2024-25, with significant emphasis on agriculture, irrigation, and women's empowerment. It included Rs 33,919 crore for agriculture and Rs 10,000 crore for the 'Subhadra' scheme. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called it a people's budget, prioritizing inclusive development.
Odisha govt presents Rs 2.65 lakh crore budget for FY25
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government Thursday presented a Rs 2.65 lakh crore budget for the 2024-25 fiscal in the state assembly with a focus on agriculture and irrigation. The size of the budget for the current financial year was around 15 per cent more than the budgetary estimate of Rs 2.30 lakh crore for the 2023-24 []
OSSC Jr Stenographer, Typist, and DEO CV Schedule 2024 Released
The Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) has announced recruitment for various vacancies including Jr Stenographer, Jr Grade Typist, Jr Typist, Data Entry Operator, and others. Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can read the full notification and apply online.
Odisha journalist ends life, husband arrested on harassment charge
Madhumitas husband, who works in the Indian Air Force, had submitted an undertaking in the police station declaring that he would not abuse or assault her and discontinue his relationship with other girls
Paris Olympics: Indian womens archery team seal spot in quarterfinals
Paris: India started its Paris Olympics campaign on a bright note a day ahead of the Opening Ceremony with the womens team securing a fourth-place finish in the ranking round to seal a spot in the quarterfinal stage at Les Invalides here Thursday. In the quarterfinals, India will face the winner of the last-16 stage []
No proposal to discontinue existing state-sponsored schemes: Odisha CM
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Thursday informed the Assembly that there are no plans to discontinue any state-sponsored schemes, as no proposals to that effect have been received by the Planning and Convergence Department. The Chief Minister said this in a written statement while replying to questions raised by senior legislators Ranendra Pratap []
BCCI and IPL team owners to discuss retentions and RTM July 31: Report
New Delhi: The meeting between the BCCI and all ten IPL franchise owners is all set to take place July 31, where the talk will be dominated by the number of retentions teams can make and the Right to Match (RTM) options in hand ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction. A report by Cricbuzz says []
Pacer Nuwan Thushara ruled out of Sri Lankas T20Is against India
Colombo: Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of Sri Lankas upcoming T20I series against India due to a fractured left thumb. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named Dilshan Madushanka as his replacement. SLC said in its statement Thursday that Thushara suffered an injury to his left thumb while fielding during practice []
US revises travel advisory for India: Avoid Manipur, J&K, India-Pak border, and Central & East India
WASHINGTON: The US has asked its nationals not to travel to Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and parts of central and eastern parts of the country where Naxalites are active. In a revised travel advisory for India, the State Department said it has updated to reflect information on the northeastern states. Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk, it said. Overall India has been placed at Level 2. But several parts of the country have been placed on Level 4: Jammu and Kashmir, India-Pak border, Manipur and parts of Central and East India. Do not travel to: The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest; within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict; portions of Central and East India due to terrorism and Manipur due to violence and crime, said the State Department. In addition, it recommended Americans to reconsider travel to the northeastern states due to terrorism and violence. Indian authorities report that rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has happened at tourist sites and other locations. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities, the travel advisory said. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in rural areas. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. The US government employees must get special authorization to travel to these areas, it said. Placing Manipur at Level 4: Do Not Travel, the State Department said: Do not travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime. Ongoing ethnic-based civil conflict has resulted in reports of extensive violence and community displacement. Attacks against Indian government targets occur on a regular basis. US government employees traveling in India require prior approval before visiting Manipur. Similarly, terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. It also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC, it said. India and Pakistan have a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official border crossing for non-citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab. It is between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but check its current status before you travel. To enter Pakistan, you need a Pakistani visa. Only US citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise, apply for a Pakistani visa in your home country before traveling to India, it said. Maoist extremist groups, or Naxalites, are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, the advisory said. Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that border Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected. The Naxalites have carried out many terrorist attacks, targeting local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, it said. Due to the fluid nature of the threat, US government employees are required to obtain permission prior to traveling to most areas in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha. Permission is not required if employees are traveling only to the capital cities of these states. US government employees also need approval to travel to the eastern region of Maharashtra and the eastern region of Madhya Pradesh, the advisory said. In addition, Northeastern States has been given - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Ethnic insurgent groups occasionally commit acts of violence in parts of the northeast. These incidents include bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets. There have been no recent reports of violence in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura, it said. US government employees traveling in India require prior approval before visiting the states of Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as when visiting any areas outside of the capital cities of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura, it said.
OTET 2024 Exam Date Rescheduled: New Schedule Announced
The Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha has released a notification for the Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) 2024. This exam is essential for candidates seeking to become teachers in Odisha.
IMD weather 2024: Red and Orange alerts for heavy rain in many states
Today, the IMD issued a Red alert in Maharashtra and Gujarat for rainfall. Also, an orange alert was issued for MP, Karnataka, Odisha, and Goa, which are anticipated to experience heavy rainfall
President Murmu takes up role of teacher for school students, stresses environmental conservation
NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday took up the role of a teacher for students of a central school in the President's Estate, interacting with them on the issue of global warming while also suggesting ways for environment conservation. During her interactive session with Class 9 students of Dr Rajendra Prasad Kendriya Vidyalaya in Delhi, she also emphasised the need for water conservation and encouraged them to plant more trees in a bid to reduce the impact of climate change. We should plant more trees. We should also take steps to reduce water wastage and conserve it through rainwater harvesting, Murmu said. She also discussed air pollution and talked about the ways to reduce it. At the beginning of her interaction, the president asked the students about their ambitions and the subjects they liked and expressed her happiness after learning that they aspired to become scientists and doctors, among others. Murmu also talked about the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked the students to plant a tree on their birthdays. Her interaction with the students came on the day she completed two years in office. Born on June 20, 1958, at Uparbeda village in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, Murmu was sworn in as the country's 15th President on July 25, 2022. Before taking over the top constitutional office, she was the governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021. An avid reader with a keen interest in spirituality, Murmu has devoted her life to empowering the downtrodden and the marginalised sections besides deepening the democratic values. I really enjoyed interacting with you. I got the opportunity to learn a lot from you all. You are studying in Class 9 and you are very aware of the impact of global warming. I am sure, when you grow up, global warming will be reduced, she said while concluding her interaction.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi gives adjournment notice in Lok Sabha to discuss recent train accidents
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, the party's deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, on Thursday filed an adjournment notice to address the series of tragic train accidents across India. In a letter to the Lok Sabha Secretary General, Gogoi highlighted that the recent wave of tragic train accidents has resulted in immense loss of life, suffering, and economic disruption. Just last week, on July 18, four people died and several others were injured after the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Uttar Pradesh's Gonda. On June 7, the Kanchanjunga Express met with a collision, leaving nine dead and more than 25 injured, Gogoi mentioned in his letter. According to sources in the railways, 48 consequential train accidents were reported in 202223, compared to 35 in the previous year. The number of non-consequential train accidents was 162 in 202223, which included 35 cases of Signal Passed at Danger (SPD), he added. In his letter, Gogoi claimed that the manpower shortage had resulted in many zonal railways asking loco polots to be on duty beyond the stipulated duty hours. He said that the recurring train accidents reflect negligence and apathy towards the rail infrastructure. The Congress MP added that it was evident that the existing safety measures are not adequate and require a comprehensive overhaul. As per schedule today, the discussion on the Union Budget 202425, presented on July 23, will continue in both Houses of Parliament. Notably, recent fatal train accidents have raised concerns about India's outdated rail system. On June 17, 2024, a collision between a goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal resulted in at least 10 deaths and 43 injuries. Similarly, on June 2, 2023, the Balasore triple train tragedy in Odisha claimed at least 293 lives and injured 1,100 passengers. Official records show an average of 20,000 people died annually between 2017 and 2021 in rail accidents, including collisions, derailments, and other causes. A 2022 CAG report identified defective tracks, inadequate maintenance, outdated signalling equipment, and human error as the primary causes of derailments. Rahul meets loco pilots in Delhi, says will raise voice in parliament to improve their working conditions Over 17 opposition MPs write to railway minister highlighting work stress among loco pilots
In 8:1 Verdict, Supreme Court Upholds States' Rights On Mineral Tax Royalty
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld states' right to levy royalty on mineral-bearing land, reasoning they had competence and power to do so; this will benefit mineral-rich states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh.
Supreme Court Upholds Right Of States To levy Royalty On Mineral Tax
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld states' right to levy royalty on mineral-bearing land, reasoning they had competence and power to do so; this will benefit mineral-rich states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh.
OSSC CHSL provisional answer key 2024 released: Check direct link here
The Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) has released the provisional answer key for the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Exam 2024. Candidates can view the answer key on the official website, ossc.gov.in. Additionally, candidates are allowed to challenge the answer key until July 26. Check the details here.
Dy Air Chief visits DRDO, HAL, TASL in Hyd, lauds indigenisation efforts
he Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile was launched from LC-III at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
After plaint, ragging probe at Khallikote univ
No storage infra, kendu leaves worth 34L rot
