HC asks CUO to appoint lecturers on contract relieved from posts as asst profs

Nepalese student cremated in Puri

AIIMS seeks 100 acres from state govt for expansion

Odisha leads push to promote indigenous sports at WAVES

Community radio station in Konark wins national award

Govt to come up with new EV policy to encourage shift to green vehicles

Jagannath Dham row deepens, SJTA begins probe into alleged use of Puri wood in Digha temple

Bhubaneswar: As tensions rise over the West Bengal governments portrayal of a newly constructed temple in Digha as Jagannath Dham, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has launched an official probe into allegations that sacred wood from the Puri Jagannath Temple was secretly used to craft idols at the Digha shrine. State Law Minister Prithiviraj []

KIIT suicide case: Grieving parents arrive at mortuary in Bhubaneswar

The parents of a Nepalese student, found dead at KIIT Bhubaneswar, arrived at AIIMS as the University Grant Commission (UGC) formed a committee to investigate alleged suicides at the institute. Bhubaneswar police suspect suicide in this case, the second death of a student from a neighboring country in three months.

Governor asks Odisha government to form taskforce on Forest Rights Act, PESA

BHUBANESWAR: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has urged the state government to form a high-level task force under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to ensure better coordination and effective implementation of PESA, the Forest Rights Act (FRA), and various schemes of the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare department. Chairing a review meeting of the department with ST & SC Development minister Nityananda Gond on Friday, the Governor said a dedicated task force will help streamline coordination, enable joint planning and resolve challenges in implementation of PESA, FRA along with other related initiatives. He also took stock of the status of the Tribal Advisory Council (TAC), pricing and market linkages for minor forest produce (MFP), implementation of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) recommendations and other key legislations such as the Protection of Civil Rights Act, and the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Expressing concern over the delay in framing the rules for PESA implementation in Odisha, the Governor urged officials to expedite the process. He also emphasised the need to convene meetings of the TAC twice a year, as mandated by the Constitution. He sought updates on market linkage for Koraput Coffee and provision of entitlements to families relocated from the Similipal Biosphere area. Drawing attention to infrastructure deficits in tribal regions, Kambhampati pointed out challenges in transporting equipment for mobile connectivity and stressed the need for targeted development in remote areas.

CM unveils two waiting centres

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Thursday inaugurated two waiting centres for labourers here and announced that more such facilities would be opened across the state for the welfare of workers. During the state-level International Workers Day-2025 function here, he unveiled the two waiting centres at Dumduma and Kalpana areas in the City. Each centre []

Odisha signs MoUs with four corporations to boost farmer support in 2025-26

BHUBANESWAR: The department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment on Friday signed MoUs with four corporations for support to farmers in 2025-26. The MoUs were signed with the Odisha Agro-Industrial Corporation (OAIC), Odisha Agriculture Promotion and Capital Investment Corporation Limited (APICOL), Odisha State Seed Corporation Limited (OSSCL) and Odisha State Cashew Development Corporation Limited (OSCDCL) in the presence of deputy chief minister KV Singh Deo. Official sources said OAIC has set a target to purchase 45,000 tonnes of fertiliser, organic fertiliser and pesticides worth Rs 20 crore, 7,000 tractors, 1,000 power tillers and other agricultural machinery, 5,200 electric-powered small lift irrigation projects, 4,800 solar water tank projects and 1,000 shallow tube well projects. A total turnover of Rs 1,000 crore has been targeted for corporation which will assist the farmers. The APICOL aims to create 6,500 business enterprises and provide subsidies worth Rs 250 crore. Of the total, Rs 200 crore has been earmarked for Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY) and Rs 50 crore for Cold Storage Support Scheme. Under this collaboration, both the parties will work together to promote seed replacement and varietal improvement through a coordinated farmer awareness campaign. A turnover target of `56 crore has been set for the corporation for this. OSCDCL will take up 500 hectares of hybrid cashew replantation programme and maintenance of trees in over more than 1336.22 hectares. In addition, it has a target for production of 35 lakhs hybrid cashew grafts from its existing 20 clonal nurseries. The deputy chief minister said the Agriculture department is one of the prominent departments that has spent 94.7 per cent of the approved budget.

ID liquor packaged at City water bottling unit; 4 held

Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown, the Bhubaneswar Excise Department sleuths raided an illegal country liquor (ID liquor) storage and distribution unit operating clandestinely under the guise of a water bottling and packaging factory in the forest area of Mund jungle near Daruthenga village on the outskirts of the Capital City, Friday. Deputy Superintendent Raj Sekhar []

AI has its advantages, but human touch still vital in journalism

Bhubaneswar: The advent and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has redefined newsroom dynamics, and emerged as a major force reshaping reporting style and content presentation. As the world marks the World Press Freedom Day celebrated globally to underscore the evolving relationship between technology and journalism May 3, the spotlight this year falls on []

Sudarsan Pattnaik seeks CMs intervention over Digha temple Jagannath Dham row

BHUBANESWAR: Eminent sculptor and former Srimandir managing committee member Sudarsan Pattnaik on Friday sought Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhis intervention into the controversy surrounding Jagannath temple at Digha. In a letter to the chief minister, Pattnaik said the use of word Dham by the West Bengal government for the temple has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees across the world. According to sacred scriptures, there exists only one Jagannath Dham, which is located at Puri. Associating any other temple with the title Jagannath Dham may lead to religious confusion and contradicts the long-standing spiritual and Hindu cultural traditions, he wrote. Pointing out that a few sevayats from Puri have reportedly claimed that brahma has been established in the stone idol of Lord Jagannath at Digha temple, Pattnaik said the concept of brahma in Mahaprabhu Jagannaths idol is deeply sacred and unique aspect of Srimandir, tied to centuries of tradition and ritual secrecy. Seeking an investigation, Pattnaik alleged that the findings of government inquiry into Brahma Parivartan (soul transfer) delay in 2015 Nabakalebara is yet to be made public.

Nagin dance: Cobra cameo turns Odisha wedding celebration into wildlife crime scene

A wedding celebration in Chhedak village, Bhadrak district, took an unexpected turn when live cobras were brought to the dance floor for a Nagin dance performance. Forest officials intervened, seizing three cobras, while the snake charmers fled. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of illegal wildlife practices disguised as tradition, sparking concerns about conservation efforts.

Ganjam launches new skin test to tackle TB cases

Greenfield airport plans for Paradip

20-yr-old arrested for raping minor

Four arrested for stealing bikes

Man injured in bear attack in Keonjhar

Acting VC takes charge at CUO

4 held for murder attempt on friend

Daru, Dham cause a stir in Odisha after West Bengal CM Mamata inaugurates Jagannath temple in Digha

BHUBANESWAR: The newly inaugurated Jagannath temple at Digha in West Bengal has sparked a massive controversy over the purported use of Daru (neem wood) that had remained unused during the Holy Trinitys Nabakalebara in Puri in 2015 for carving the deities, and naming the shrine as Jagannath Dham. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Friday ordered an enquiry into the use of Daru in making the deities and the association of Srimandir servitors in its consecration ceremony. While the naming of the Digha temple as Jagannath Dham has caused a huge uproar, as the Srimandir in Puri finds place among the four Dhams, the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus in the country. Taking cognisance of the controversy, Harichandan said, These things, particularly the talks around use of Nabakalebara Daru, are completely unacceptable and have become a matter of great concern for devotees of Lord Jagannath worldwide and the four crore people of Odisha. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has been directed to initiate an inquiry into all the allegations and anyone found guilty will face action under the provisions of law, he added. The Digha temple, built by the West Bengal government was inaugurated by the states chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday. The consecration was done by the secretary of Daitapati Nijog of Puri Jagannath temple, Ramakrushna Dasmahapatra. The temple will be managed by the priests of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). After the consecration ceremony, Dasmahapatra claimed in an interview to a Bengali news channel that it was he who had suggested Mamata to install wooden idols of the three deities and not stone. On her request, he provided the idols of the deities which were made from Daru that was left unused after making the 'bigrahas' (idols) of the Trinity in Srimandir during the 2015 Nabakalebara (the ritual when new bodies are made for the Trinity from carefully selected neem wood as per the instructions of Goddess Mangala of Kakatpur), Dasmahapatra claimed. He, however, clarified later that he never used the term 'Brahma Sthapana' (where the soul of the deities is transferred from the old to the new idols) during the consecration ceremony of Digha temple. As Dasmahapatra drew flak from all quarters, the servitor on Friday claimed that he made no such statements. When I had visited the Digha temple four months back, they had constructed the three idols in stone. Since, Lord Jagannath is never worshipped in any other form than neem wood, I suggested to Mamata Banerjee to make the idols in wood. Accordingly, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra, all 2.5 ft-3 ft high, were made in neem wood in Puri and taken to the Digha temple for consecration. No Daru from Nabakalebara has been used for idols in Digha temple, he told the mediapersons here. Meanwhile, Srimandir servitors, Jagannath culture researchers and experts, devotees and prominent personalities have questioned the use of the word Dham by the West Bengal government. The neighbouring state has been advertising the temple as Jagannath Dham which the experts said is not acceptable. Eminent sculptor Sudarsan Pattnaik said there are only four 'dhams' in India, and the Jagannath dham at Puri is one of them. The temple inaugurated in Digha cannot be a #JagannathDham. So my humble request to Honble CM @MamataOfficial, please immediately order not to call it as Jagannath Dham as it hurts the sentiments of the devotees of Lord Jagannath and it also creates confusion. It misrepresents established religious practices and will create confusion across the globe for followers of Hindu/Sanatan Dharma, he wrote on his X handle. Vice-president of Bahrain Odia Samaj Arun Kumar Praharaj urged the WB CM to refer to Skanda Purana (Shri Purusottam Khetra Mahatmya) as far as reference to Jagannath Dham is concerned and rectify the mistake. To a query on why he did not protest mentioning the temple as Dham, Dasmahapatra said the Odisha government should take up the matter with the West Bengal government and ensure that it is changed. Immediately after the West Bengal government had announced inauguration of the Digha temple on Akshaya Tritiya, Suar Mahasuar Nijog and Puspalaka Nijog had issued a whip on all their members to not participate in any rituals there. While the Suar Mahasuar Nijog prepares Mahaprasad in the Srimandir, the Puspalaka Nijog dresses the Trinity.

CDPO, anganwadi worker trapped by vigilance

Satellite-tagged amur falcon completes 4,000 km journey to Odisha

Spotted deer dies after stray dog attack

Woman burnt alive in house fire in Jajpur

Three held with heroin worth Rs 5L

Double murder rocks village in Bargarh

Man gets 20-yr RI for kidnap, rape of teen

For 4 decades, blind school students achieving 100% success

Agri dept signs MoUs with 4 corporations to boost farmer devpt

CM opens 2 labour shelters, launches app for construction workers

Govt amends wildlife crime documenting rules in bid to improve conviction rates

94.9% students clear Class X exams in state

UGC orders swift probe into KIIT suicides, fact-finding team to submit report in 10 days

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Friday set up a four-member fact-finding committee to examine in detail the two suicides that took place within four months at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) , Bhubaneswar, and to take steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The committee has been given a ten-day period to submit its report. An order issued by the UGC stated, In view of the consecutive suicide incidents at KIIT, Bhubaneswar on February 16, 2025, and May 1, 2025, the UGC, as the regulatory body, has decided to constitute a fact-finding committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the incidents, ensure compliance with student welfare and safety regulations, and suggest further measures to prevent such incidents. Prof. Nageshwar Rao, former Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University, will serve as Chairperson. Prof. Shasikala Wanjari, Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Planning and Administration, and Prof. H. C. S. Rathore, former Vice Chancellor of the Central University of South Bihar, are its members. Sunita Siwach, Joint Secretary of the UGC, will serve as the Coordinating Officer of the Committee. Deeply saddened: MEA on death of Nepali student in Odisha's KIIT The order stated that the UGC team will evaluate the university's mental health support system, including counselling services, crisis intervention frameworks, faculty sensitisation programmes, and peer support initiatives. The committee shall examine the circumstances surrounding the student suicides, including factors such as institutional policies, academic pressure, grievance redressal mechanisms, and student support structures, it said. The team will also conduct an on-site assessment to verify the actual implementation of student safety and well-being policies. It will engage with all stakeholders, including students, teachers, administration, and support staff, to understand the institutional culture. The committee must submit its fact-finding report on the incidents within ten days of the issuance of this order, it said.

UGC sets up panel to look into KIIT student suicides

The panel was constituted after a 20-year-old Nepalese student of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha's Bhubaneswar was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her hostel room.

Row over Jagannath Dham at Digha deepens, Odisha govt orders probe

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan Friday ordered the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri to initiate a probe into the controversy surrounding the newly built Jagannath Temple at Digha in West Bengal. The state governments move came after local media reported that some Puri servitors had attended the consecration ceremony at Digha temple and []

UGC sets up fact-finding committee to look into KIIT-Bhubaneswar student suicides

Following consecutive student suicides at KIIT-Bhubaneshwar, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has formed a fact-finding committee. Chaired by Prof. Nageshwar Rao, the panel will investigate the incidents, including the recent death of a Nepalese student, and propose preventive measures. The UGC has requested the committee to submit its report within ten days.

Nepalese student found dead in hostel room on KIIT campus in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: An 18-year-old Nepalese student of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odishas Bhubaneswar was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her hostel room on Thursday, May 2, police said. The incident comes barely two and a half months after the suicide of Prakriti Lamsal, another Nepalese student of the same institute, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Odisha government approves 19 projects worth Rs 3,898 crore

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government Friday approved 19 projects worth Rs 3,898 crore, which are expected to generate employment for over 7,400 people. According to an official statement, the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA), chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, has given its nod to the proposals spanning various sectors such as steel, iron []

Eight Odisha scientists part of global team that won 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Physics

Bhubaneswar: Eight scientists from different institutions in Odisha are among thousands of researchers at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerlandwho recently received the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics. The 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics recognised the collaborative work of researchers who analysed data from CERNs Large Hadron Collider Run-2, collected []

India condoles Nepali students death, promises detailed inquiry

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Friday extended heartfelt condolences on the tragic demise of a female Nepali student of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneswar, stating that the Indian government takes the safety, security, and well-being of all international students very seriously. The Ministry of External Affairs has been in []

Odisha devotees demand removal of 'Jagannath Dham' label from Digha temple

The West Bengal government's naming of the new Digha temple as Jagannath Dham has drawn criticism from Odisha's Jagannath devotees, who fear it undermines the sanctity of the Puri shrine. Religious figures, including Sudarsan Pattnaik, are demanding clarification and urging intervention, citing potential confusion and offense to long-standing traditions.

'Safety Of International Students...': MEA Condoles Death Of Another Nepali Student At KIIT Hostel

A Nepali undergraduate student was found dead in her hostel room in Bhubaneswars KIIT on Thursday evening, making it the second such case in less than three months.

Another Nepalese student found dead in KIIT hostel room

An 18-year-old Nepalese student of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha's Bhubaneswar was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her hostel room on Thursday, police said.

Nepal launches diplomatic initiatives to probe death of another student at Odisha's KIIT

BHUBANESHWAR: Nepal has launched diplomatic initiatives to probe the death of an 18-year-old student from the Himalayan nation at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha's Bhubaneswar, hours after she was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her hostel room. The incident comes barely two-and-a-half months after Prakriti Lamsal, another Nepalese student of the same institute, died by suicide on February 16 . The incident of Prisa Sah, a Nepali student studying at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha, India, being found dead in her hostel room has left us deeply saddened. I pray for the eternal peace of Prisa's soul and express my deepest condolences to her family at this sad hour, Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba said in a post on X. () pic.twitter.com/ojPdVadvXI Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba (@Arzuranadeuba) May 2, 2025 Immediately after the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated diplomatic initiatives to investigate the truth of the incident through high-ranking officials of the Government of India, the Government of Odisha, and the Embassy of Nepal in Delhi, she said. Ambassador of Nepal to India, Shankar P Sharma, said authorities are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Odisha government, police and the university for a thorough investigation. Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Nepali student Prisha Sah, found in her hostel room at KIIT, Odisha. Heartfelt condolences to her family. Prayers for eternal peace. We are closely coordinating with MEA, Odisha Govt., police & the university for a thorough investigation, Sharma said in a post on X. Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Nepali student Prisha Sah, found in her hostel room at KIIT, Odisha. Heartfelt condolences to her family. Prayers for eternal peace. We are closely coordinating with MEA, Odisha Govt., police & the university for a thorough investigation. pic.twitter.com/ae8X3ZlZwQ Dr. Shankar P Sharma (@DrShankarSharma) May 2, 2025 The body of the B.Tech computer science student from Nepal was recovered from room number 111 of the ladies hostel of the institute on Thursday evening, a senior officer said. It seems that she has died by suicide at the ladies hostel of KIIT, Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh told PTI. The deceased's parents will reach Bhubaneswar on Friday, and after that post-mortem examination of the body will be conducted, Singh said, adding that her body has been sent to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The police commissioner, who visited the ladies' hostel, also said an unnatural death (UD) case has been registered. The fresh case comes from the same hostel and same floor, another officer said. However, the police have not recovered any suicide note from the possession of the deceased. We have not got any such note, but the scientific team has been searching her room, Sharma said. While the Odisha government expressed grief over the incident and termed it unfortunate, the KIIT was yet to make any comment. The death of the Nepalese student in February had triggered protests after reports suggested that the victim was allegedly blackmailed, and she ended her life for not getting justice from the private university authorities. There was an outcry on the KIIT campus as the institute authorities, with the help of staffers and security personnel, had allegedly assaulted Nepalese students who demanded justice for the deceased. The Nepalese students were forcibly evicted from the campus and asked to leave for their country. Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli had raised the issue at the diplomatic level and urged the central government to ensure justice for Nepalese students of the institute. The Odisha government had subsequently formed a high-level committee, headed by the additional chief secretary of the Home Department, to probe into the matter. The NHRC also investigated the incident. At least 10 university employees were arrested on charge of assaulting Nepalese students, and an Indian student was sent to jail for abetting the suicide of the Nepalese girl.

Another Nepali girl allegedly commits suicide in KIIT University hostel

Another girl student from Nepal studying in the first year B Tech Computer Science in KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, allegedly committed suicide on Thursday night.

Another Nepali Student Found Dead at KIIT University; Nepal Envoy Calls for Thorough Investigation

02 May, Bhubaneswar : A tragic incident has once again shaken KIIT University in Odisha The post Another Nepali Student Found Dead at KIIT University; Nepal Envoy Calls for Thorough Investigation appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

Nepalese Girl, 18, Found Dead At Odisha's KIIT, 2nd Case In 90 Days

A Nepalese undergraduate student was found dead in her hostel room at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar on Thursday evening, marking the second such death involving a Nepalese student at the university in 90 days.

KIIT hostel sees second Nepali student death within months of Prakriti Lamsal case that shook India

A Nepali student was found dead in her hostel room at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. Police are investigating the alleged suicide. The Nepal Embassy has been notified. The Odisha government has offered condolences and promised a thorough probe. This incident follows a similar death earlier this year. Student organizations are demanding a swift and comprehensive investigation.

Nepali student dies by suicide in Bhubaneswar's KIIT, second incident in three months

BHUBANESWAR: A female undergraduate student from Nepal allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room in BhubaneswarsKalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) on Thursday, the second such case in less than three months. The victim was 18-years-old and was a first year student of computer science engineering, Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena told TNIE. The DCP said they have launched a thorough investigation to ascertain the reason behind the girl's decision to end her life. Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh, DCP Meena and other senior officers visited the spot to take stock of the investigation. The death on the campus comes less than three months after a 20-year-old Nepali student, also studying computer science, died by suicide after being harassed by a fellow student. The accused, Advik Shrivastava, a third-year B Tech student was later arrested by Bhubaneswar police at the city airport while he was allegedly trying to flee. The university came under criticism for its handling of the situation after officials ordered more than 1,000 Nepali students to vacate the campus. Following intervention by the External Affairs Ministry, the university shifted to damage-control mode and issued formal apologies. The Odisha government had then constituted a high-level fact-finding committee to investigate the student death , as well as allegations of excessive force by university security personnel. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.) Odisha government forms fact finding committee on KIIT student's death, matter raised in Assembly

Nepali Student Found Dead In Bhubaneswar's KIIT Hostel, 2nd Such Case In 3 Months

A Nepali student was found dead in her hostel in Bhubaneswars Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) on Thursday, the police said.

Odisha CM Majhi reviews aviation infrastructure plans, greenfield airport at Paradip on agenda

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Thursday chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar to review aviation and network infrastructure development across the state, with a focus on strengthening air connectivity and modernising existing facilities. The meeting covered proposals for a greenfield airport at Paradip, the development of the Shri Jagannath []

Odisha CM inaugurates two waiting centres for labourers in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Thursday inaugurated two waiting centres for labourers in Bhubaneswar and announced that more such facilities would be opened across the state for the welfare of workers. During the state-level International Workers Day-2025 function here, he unveiled the two waiting centres at Dumduma and Kalpana area in Bhubaneswar. Each []

Another Nepali girl found hanging in hostel room of private university in Bhubaneswar

In Bhubaneswar, a Nepalese student was found dead in her hostel room at a private university, marking the second such incident in two and a half months. Police have confirmed the death as a suicide and are investigating the circumstances.

Nepali student found dead at KIIT hostel, second such incident in three months

Bhubaneswar: A Nepali student, identified as Prisha Shah, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in her hostel room at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar, officials said Thursday. This marks the second such incident involving a Nepali student on campus within three months. Infocity police have launched an investigation. Police Commissioner S []

Caste census takes centre stage: BJD, Cong claim credit; BJP asserts move not driven by oppn demands

Bhubaneswar: The ruling BJP in Odisha Thursday firmly rejected allegations that it acted under pressure from opposition parties like the BJD and the Congress in approving the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national census. In separate press conferences, leaders from both the BJD and Congress claimed that the Centres decision was the result []

Metro rail to run till SCB medical college instead of Trisulia in Cuttack, confirms Minister

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra Thursday said that the metro rail project will be extended up to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack with support from the Centre. Speaking to media persons, Mohapatra said the previous BJD government had planned to roll out metro rail from Biju Patnaik International []

Odisha rolls out Sahajog scheme to connect urban poor with govt welfare programs

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government Thursday launched Sahajog, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at facilitating access to various government welfare schemes for the urban poor. Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra officially launched the programme in Bhubaneswar. Designed to ensure last-mile delivery, Sahajog focuses on identifying eligible beneficiaries in urban poor communities and connecting []

Girls outshine boys in ICSE, ISC exams

Bhubaneswar: Girls continue to dominate boys in ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) examinations in Odisha, the results of which were announced by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), Wednesday. A total of 8,968 students 4,653 boys and 4,315 girls from 96 schools across Odisha appeared for the ICSE []

FC Goa beat Mohun Bagan to enter Super Cup final

Bhubaneswar, April 30: FC Goa breezed into the Kalinga Super Cup summit clash with a crushing 3-1 win over Mohun Bagan SG, riding on second-half goals from Iker Guarrotxena and Borja Herrera, here Wednesday. The Gaurs, champions in 2019, will face the winners of the clash between Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC in Saturdays [] The post FC Goa beat Mohun Bagan to enter Super Cup final appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Construction of chariots begins for Rath Yatra

OPID court sentences man to 7 years RI, Rs 2.35L fine for crypto fraud

Gold buyers opt for affordable alternatives amid record prices on Akshaya Tritiya

7-yr-old girl drowns in Mantei river

Biz mela for women entrepreneurs

Ex-MARKFED official jailed for graft

Change of plan saves bizmans family from Pahalgam attack

Married man held for raping woman

OCS exam: Fresh date for anthropology optional papers

Rainbow diet campaign launched in Keonjhar block

Adopt modern technology for sustainable farming: Governor

Man dies after attack by younger brother

Bhubaneswar: A man was killed allegedly by his younger brother in Santipalli slum in Bhubaneswar, police said Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Hamidul Khan, elder brother of the prime accused Imat Khan, a police officer said. On a trivial matter, there was a quarrel between two brothers Tuesday, leading to the head injury to []

50 with criminal records donate blood at camp

Villagers protest after womans death in elephant attack

Man arrested for posing as Armyman, police officer

Oppn parties welcome plan for caste-base census

Koraput Coffee receives two Fine Cup awards

97.8% students from state clear ICSE, 98.8% ISC

Widows of Odisha police personnel killed in crash get jobs, compensation

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has provided home guard jobs to widows of two police officers who died in a road accident while on duty in April this year. During the day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi gave them the appointment letters for the post of home guard, and a cheque of Rs 10 lakh each. []

BJD seeks OHRC intervention over spike in child sexual abuse in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Wednesday urged the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) to intervene and take action on alleged rising child abuse cases in the state and also deteriorating law and order situation, particularly in Ganjam district. A delegation of the BJD submitted a memorandum to the OHRC and expressed the partys []

Kolkata hotel fire claims three lives from Jagatsinghpur district

Bhubaneswar: At least three persons from Odishas Jagatsinghpur district were among the 14 killed in the devastating fire at a hotel in central Kolkata, family sources claimed. The deceased from Jagatsinghpur have been identified as Manoj Kumar Patra (45), Dushmanta Kumar Nayak (46) and Dushmanta Kumar Swain (46), they said. All of them were working []

Odisha vigilance nabs excise superintendent, seizes cash, assets

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha vigilance Wednesday arrested the superintendent of excise of Dhenkanal on the charge of corruption, an official said. Acting on an intelligence input, our team Tuesday intercepted the official near Deulasahi road in Dhenkanal when she was travelling back home from office with ill-got cash of Rs 3 lakh, said Radhakrishna, the Superintendent []

Fresh exam of OCS Anthropology paper May 14 Official

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) Wednesday said it will re-conduct the Anthropology optional Papers I and II of the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Main Written Examination 2023 because of serious faults detected during the tests held April 27. The written examination for Anthropology optional Papers I and II will be re-conducted May 14 []

BJD hails Union Cabinets approval for caste enumeration in Census

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Wednesday welcomed the Union Cabinets decision to include caste enumeration in the next Census exercise. BJD president and former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik claimed that his regional outfit had been demanding a caste-based census for long, as his party stands for social justice. Patnaik posted on X, Welcome []

Top 5 mind-blowing temple legends from Odisha that locals swear are true

By Patit Mandal, OP Beyond the grand spires of Puri and Bhubaneswar, a quieter narrative unfolds, one where folklore breathes through fading stone and belief turns the ordinary into the divine. These lesser-known sites may lie off the tourist map, but for locals, these legends are not just tales they are living truths, passed []

Odisha CM disburses over Rs 1,025 crore financial assistance for farmers on Akshaya Tritiya

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Wednesday disbursed Rs 1,025 crore for 51 lakh farmers under the CM Kisan Assistance Scheme during Krushak Dibas held on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya in Bhubaneswar. Financial assistance of Rs 2,000 each was credited to the bank accounts of farmers through the DBT facility as Majhi, accompanied []

Lawbreakers turn lifesavers: 50 with criminal records join blood donation drive in Bhubaneswar

In Bhubaneswar, police took a unique step. They invited former offenders to a blood donation camp. Sanjay Swain, accused of theft, participated. Ratnakar Sahoo, once arrested for chain snatching, also donated. Over 50 individuals with criminal records contributed. Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh inaugurated the camp. The initiative aimed to reintegrate them into society.

Odisha signs MoU with Gates Foundation for inclusive growth in farming sector

BHUBANESWAR: The state government and the Gates Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on several areas including promoting inclusive agriculture and enhancing productivity in dairy and fisheries sectors. This strategic partnership anchored by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment and state Fisheries and Animal Resources Development department will be a multi-year collaboration focused on technical support, research and implementation of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices. Deputy chief minister-cum-minister for Agriculture KV Singh Deo said the signing of MoU with the Gates Foundation marks a significant step towards future-ready agriculture in the state. It reaffirms the governments commitment to invest in knowledge, innovation and partnerships that benefit farmers. Director (poverty alleviation), Gates Foundation, Alkesh Wadhwani said, We are happy to get into collaboration with the Odisha government especially in the agriculture and allied sectors. The MoU reinforces our continued collaboration and shared commitment to a resilient and inclusive future for Odishas farmers. On this occasion, a climate-smart agriculture alliance initiative was launched. It will bring together government agencies, research institutions, startups, civil societies, NGOs, farmer institutions and private sector to accelerate climate-smart technology and strategy adoption and innovation. The event also marked the release of a scoping report series on Data-driven prioritisation of districts for climate-smart agriculture in Odisha by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). The reports present a district-level assessment of climate risks, resource use patterns and emissions from agriculture, providing a blueprint for developing district-level climate action plans and piloting CSA practices tailored to local conditions. A report by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) titled Transforming fallow lands-An impact evaluation of the comprehensive rice fallow management programme in Odisha (CRFM) was also released. The IFPRI report focused on the conversion of fallow lands and its effects on acreage and yields of pulses and oilseeds. The study provides strong evidence of increased land utilisation and productivity, demonstrating how integrated data systems can effectively guide inclusive, data-driven agricultural planning and policy. The Agriculture department released Odisha Agriculture Statistics 2023-24, which mirrors the agricultural activities of the state.