Union minister Jual Oram says he is fine after rumours of his disappearance fly thick
ROURKELA: Union Tribal Affairs Minister and Sundargarh MP Jual Oram, who was travelling with Y-category security on board the Gondwana Express from Delhi, mysteriously disappeared from the train and reappeared hours later on another train at Sihora station with minor injuries in the early hours of Sunday. As rumours quickly spread regarding the Ministers safety and well-being, his close aides and officials from the Jabalpur Division of the West Central Railway (WCR) issued a clarification on Tuesday. It was stated that the Minister got down from the Gondwana Express at Damoh station after feeling uncomfortable due to a drastic drop in his blood sugar level and was subsequently helped to board the Sampark Kranti Express. A reliable source informed that Jual had boarded the Gondwana Express at Hazrat Nizamuddin station for Jabalpur station on Saturday night. They said that when the train left Damoh station around 3.45 am on Sunday, the Minister was not seen on his berth or in the train, triggering sudden concern and panic among railway authorities about the whereabouts of the minister. A frantic search, including inspection of tracks, was reportedly done to trace the minister. The railway authorities heaved a sigh of relief around 6.55 am on Sunday, finding him sitting in the Sampark Kranti Express at Sinhora station, about 162 kms from Damoh. A close aide of Jual Oram confirmed the incident, stating that the minister experienced a severe drop in blood sugar levels, which made him feel uncomfortable aboard the train. He disembarked at Damoh station, where he reportedly suffered a blackout. The aide added that RPF personnel and others at the station splashed water on his face and provided assistance. Subsequently, Jual Oram revealed his identity and was assisted in boarding the next train to Jabalpur. His aide expressed disappointment over the minister being left unattended by his security personnel. Meanwhile, railway authorities attempted to downplay the incident and presented a slightly different version of events. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Jabalpur Division of WCR, Madhur Verma, said the minister got down from the train at Damoh station for a few minutes. When the train started rolling, he did not take the risk of boarding the running train. He inquired about the next train to Jabalpur and fortunately, the Sampark Kranti Express was available 15 minutes later and was guided accordingly, he told the TNIE. Verma said, while walking on the platform, the minister slipped and sustained minor scratches on his knees. He then safely and comfortably boarded the Sampark Krantri train. When railway authorities got information about his change of train due to the incident, our railway staff approached and accompanied him till Jabalpur station, he said. Jual in a social media post on Tuesday, said he attended a programme at Mandla in Jabalpur on Monday and returned to Delhi at night. Today, I am chairing a review meeting of my Ministry to finalise key projects and schemes for the current financial year. I am perfectly fine, in good health, and fully committed to my duties. Rumours being spread about my health are completely baseless and misleading. I urge everyone to focus on facts and not fall for misinformation, he posted on X. Chairing a review meeting of my Ministry to finalise key projects and schemes for the current financial year. I am perfectly fine & fully committed to my duties. Rumours being spread are completely baseless . I urge everyone to focus on facts & not fall for misinformation. pic.twitter.com/tDwWXYSRTD Jual Oram (@jualoram) May 6, 2025
ED raids underway at 5 places in Kolkata over 'irregularities' in NRI quota medical admissions
The central probe agency is investigating whether documents were forged to create false NRI credentials for admission of local Indian students in medical colleges in Odisha's Bhubaneswar and Rourkela
Rape accused jumps off terrace, critical
Rourkela: A rape accused sustained critical injuries after he jumped off the terrace of a building in a bid to escape after raping an 8-year old girl under Plant Site police limits in Rourkela Sunday evening. The accused was identified as Md. Saddam Hussain, 27, a resident of old RDA building along Mahatab Road in []
Absence of HRCE approval delays reconstruction of Vedavyas shrine
Rourkela: Absence of necessary legal approval is causing inordinate delay in the restoration of various temples at Rourkelas Vedavyas shrine, though several peripheral works have been completed. According to sources, the delay is on account of the lack of permission under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Act, 1951 necessary for the demolition []
RGH Rourkela Medical Officer Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 04 Posts
Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH Rourkela) Recruitment 2025 for 04 posts of Medical Officer. Candidates with Other Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in inerview on 09-05-2025. For detailed information please visit RGH Rourkela official website, sundargarh.odisha.gov.in.
OPCC team visits illegal coal mining sites in Hemgir block of Sundargarh
ROURKELA: A delegation of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) led by Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati on Saturday visited Telendihi and Ratansara forests in Hemgir block where illegal coal mining was unearthed recently. Bahinipati along with MLAs Ashok Das and Raazen Ekka called for a high-level inquiry into the illegal mining to investigate the role of senior administrative officers and local political leaders. Ekka alleged that government officials were involved in the illegal coal mining. While the illegal mining was being carried out with the patronage of the previously BJD government, the ruling BJP has now stepped into the shoes of its predecessor, he claimed. Similarly, Das said it is surprising that the BJP government is silent on the matter and is yet to take any meaningful action against the illegal mining. Meanwhile, Sundargarh MLA Jogesh Singh visited Telendihi forest on Saturday and reiterated the demand for a CBI inquiry and the recovery of the governments lost revenue from the coal mafia involved in the illegal mining. On April 4, the administration detected massive illegal coal mining in Telendihi revenue forest. Subsequent raids also unearthed illegal coal mining in Bhograkachhar revenue forest and part of Jamkani reserve forest. It is learnt that traces of illegal mining have been detected inside Gopalpur forest, but administrative officials are yet to visit the site. So far, four persons have been arrested in this connection.
NIT Rourkela Project Assistant Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 01 Posts Before May 10
TheNational Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 01 Project Assistant posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official NIT Rourkela website. The last date to submit the application form is 10-05-2025.
NIT Rourkela Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 01 Posts Before May 15
TheNational Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 01 Junior Research Fellow posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official NIT Rourkela website. The last date to submit the application form is 15-05-2025.
Odisha to invest Rs 9,200 cr for redevelopment of four major healthcare institutes
The Odisha government has announced a significant investment of nearly Rs 9,200 crore to revamp healthcare infrastructure across the state. This initiative focuses on redeveloping four key medical institutions, including VIMSAR, MKCG, Rourkela Government Hospital, and Capital Hospital, to substantially increase bed capacity and improve facilities.
Odisha Techie Uses ChatGPT To Negotiate Auto Fare In Bengaluru
Sajan Mahto, a content creator and tech enthusiast from Odisha's Rourkela, shared how he used ChatGPT's voice feature to overcome the language barrier.
Rourkela renews demand as Centre plans 10 new ESIC medical colleges
ROURKELA: The demand for setting up a medical college and hospital (MCH) of the ESIC at Rourkela has picked up pace with local outfit Sachetan Nagarik Manch writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya in this regard on Monday. The move comes in wake of the announcement by Mandaviya about ESICs in-principal approval for 10 new MCHs in the country. Manch president Bimal Bisi and general secretary PP Ray sent separate memorandums to PM Modi and the union Labour minister urging them to consider the demand of Rourkela for a MCH and occupational disease centre. Bisi said Rourkela in the tribal-dominated Sundargarh district is a nucleus of industrial and manufacturing activities in western Odisha. Despite having significant concentration of ESICs insured persons (IPs), the Rourkela region is deprived of advanced healthcare services. He said there is a pending proposal for setting up an MCH of ESIC in Odisha with Bhubaneswar being the potential location. There has been an unfortunate pattern of concentrating ESIC projects and investments in Bhubaneswar at the cost of the poor working class people of western Odisha. Bhubaneswar already has a host of MCHs along with a dozen of tagged reputed hospitals of the ESIC. Similarly, Ray said despite the huge concentration of IPs and revenue contribution, the Rourkela region and western Odisha are perpetually deprived of tertiary and multi-speciality healthcare. The government should judiciously consider the demand of Rourkela. He said given the BJP governments reputation of allocating projects to deserving and non-capital cities, it is a humble request to remove the regional disparity and simultaneously save the poor working class people of Rourkela and western Odisha region from further suffering and neglect. The duo also claimed that in states likes Bihar and Karnataka, the MCHs of ESIC provide quality healthcare on par with AIIMS to ESIC card holders and the general public. Setting up of an MCH of ESIC at Rourkela would be a significant step in catering to the advanced healthcare needs of the public of Rourkela, they added.
Odisha content creator uses ChatGPT to bargain auto fare in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: Those who have travelled in autorickshawsin Bengaluru would have learnt the art of bargaining with auto drivers, who generally quote very high fares even for short distances. But for those who are new to Bengaluru, who dont know Kannada and are new to bargaining, its an uphill task. A tech enthusiast from the city has demonstrated how artificial intelligence can be of great help in bargaining with auto drivers in their local language Kannada. Content creator Sajan Mahto from Odishas Rourkela posted a short video on his Instagram page (sajanmaho.ai) on Saturday on how to use AI for bargaining with auto drivers. Since then, the video has gone viral. In the video, Sajan demonstrates how he used AI to negotiate an autofare of Rs 200 to Rs 120. Sajan opens ChatGPTs voice assistant and commands it to talk to the auto-driver to lower the quoted fare of Rs 200 to Rs 100. He also tells AI to talk to the driver nicely just like how an elder brother would do. He also informs AI to bargain by mentioning that he is a student and takes the same route every day. The AI assistant, which quickly processes the inputs, initiates the conversation with the auto driver with a warm greeting, Anna namaskara. The AI assistant goes on to explain that Sajan is a student and he travels on the same route and bargains with the driver to cut down the fare. After the bargains, in which the AI asks the driver to consider Sajan as a regular customer, the driver agrees for the ride at Rs 120. At the end, the AI tool thanks the auto driver for adjusting and that Rs 120 was fine. ChatGPT Vs Autowala. Use ChatGPT for language translation FREE!! This is an attempt to educate how one can use CHATGPT in day today life. To harm any sentiments regarding any emotions is not intended. The sole purpose is education only, Sajan posted on his Insta page. He went on to add a disclaimer that the act performed was not by a real auto driver and that he made the video only for educational purposes and not to offend anyone.
DGP reviews law and order in Rourkela, anti-Naxal op along Odisha-Jharkhand border
ROURKELA: DGP YB Khurania took stock of the law and order situation in Rourkela police district and reviewed the anti-Naxal operation along the Odisha-Jharkhand border on Monday. Briefing the media here, Khurania said he held discussion on the steps taken for implementation of the three new criminal laws. The CCTV project of Rourkela Smart City Ltd is being implemented for long and yet to be made operational. I discussed the project status and the deadline by which it can be operationalised. Discussion was also held on requirements of the Rourkela police district. Steps would be taken to meet them in the current financial year, he said. The DGP further informed that discussion was held with senior police and CRPF officers of West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand regarding anti-Naxal operation along the border including the ground status of Maoist activities and need for joint operation. He also interacted with IICs, SDPOs and ASPs of the police district and held comprehensive discussions on different issues including crime, law and order, working style and steps to be taken in coming days for police modernisation. Khurania said Odisha police now has about 16,500 vacancies. Recruitment of armed constables is underway and likely to be completed in a month. The ongoing process for recruitment of police sub-inspectors is likely to be over in a fortnight. Subsequently, recruitment to other constable posts would be taken up. He said a total of 12 Pakistani nationals in the state have been issued quit India notices. One of them has already been deported while the rest are under police watch. Police are waiting for further instruction about other Pakistani nationals who are on long-term visas or have applied for long-term visas, the DGP added. Among others, IG (Northern Range) and additional in-charge of Western Range Himanshu Lal and Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani were present. This was Khuranias second visit to Rourkela in 24 days to review the law and order scenario after his earlier tour to the city on April 4.
Seven affordable housing projects in four cities in Odisha scrapped for delay in execution
BHUBANESWAR : Failure on part of three urban development authorities and an urban local body to take up affordable housing projects in a time-bound manner under their jurisdictions has resulted in cancellation of seven projects under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). As per sources, Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), Rourkela Development Authority (RDA) and Jatni Municipality have failed to take up construction of about 3,400 affordable dwelling units sanctioned by the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) under two verticals - Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) and In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) - of PMAY (U) between 2017 and 2021. However, since PMAY (U) has been closed in the state, these urban bodies have now been asked to submit cancellation proposal for the same within 15 days. While the AHP under PMAY (U) provided central assistance to economically weaker sections (EWS) beneficiaries for owning a pucca house, the ISSR facilitated redevelopment of slums using land as a resource and provided houses to eligible slum dwellers through private investment. Sources in the Odisha Urban Housing Mission (OUHM), the nodal agency for implementation of PMAY (U) in the state, said the 3,400 affordable housing units were supposed to be taken up by three development authorities and Jatni Municipality under seven projects - six AHP and one ISSR project. While the BDA was supposed to take up an ISSR project with 400 dwelling units at VSS Nagar, CDA was to take up two separate AHP projects of 288 EWS units and 540 dwelling units at Nimpur and Tulasipur respectively. Similarly, RDA was entrusted to execute three AHP projects for construction of 420 dwelling units at Pradhanpali and Basanti Colony, 800 EWS houses at Chhend and another 360 affordable housing units near Chamber of Commerce at Chhend. Meanwhile, the Jatni Municipality had also been granted an AHP project to construct 600 affordable houses at Ramachandrapur and Sandapur. OUHM officials said the project was sanctioned long back, between 2017 and 2021, under PMAY (U) but couldnt be executed by the development agencies till date. As PMAY (U) has now been closed and PMAY (U) 2.0 rolled out in the state, these urban bodies have now been asked to submit the cancellation proposals within a fortnight, an official from the OUHM said. He said, in case there is a fresh demand for affordable houses under AHP vertical in the jurisdictions of these urban bodies, they will have to take necessary steps to prepare plan under PMAY (U) 2.0 and follow procedure as per its guidelines.
Odishas Kuarmunda town observes 12-hour bandh to protest Pahalgam attack
Rourkela: Kuarmunda, a small town in Odishas tribal-dominated Sundargarh district, observed a 12-hour bandh Saturday in protest against the Pahalgam attack. As a mark of protest against the April 22 bloodbath, residents voluntarily shut down shops and business establishments in a show of solidarity with the nation. They also demanded the construction of a martyrs []
NIT Rourkela Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 01 Posts Before May 05
TheNational Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 01 Junior Research Fellow posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official NIT Rourkela website. The last date to submit the application form is 05-05-2025.
Two looters injured in gunfight with police in Odishas Rourkela
Rourkela: Two miscreants, who were allegedly fleeing after looting an eatery, were injured in a gunfight with the police in Odishas Rourkela, an officer said Friday. They were hospitalised and stated to be out of danger. The incident took place when four miscreants were fleeing after looting a roadside dhaba and firing at its owner []
Three miscreants involved in loot held after brief encounter in Odisha's Rourkela
ROURKELA: Three armed miscreants were arrested following a brief encounter along the Odisha-Jharkhand border near Rourkela after they opened fire on a hotel owner and looted cash from him in the wee-hours of Friday. Sources said two of the three miscreants sustained gunshot injuries in counter police while they were trying to escape. Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani said seven to eight miscreants armed with firearms and knives raided Dugru Dhaba at Sarubahal under Bisra police limits at about 11 pm on Thursday. They fired at the hotel owner and looted about Rs 20,000 and three mobile phones. He was injured as one bullet hit his leg, Wadhwani said. Following the incident, the SP said, Bisra police led by inspector M Kumbhar swung into action and tracked four of the miscreants escaping on a motorbike. When the police intercepted them, they opened fire on the officers. Acting swiftly, the police returned fire, during which two miscreants were shot in the legs and subsequently apprehended, according to the Superintendent of Police. While one managed to escape with the motorbike, another was nabbed after a brief chase. A firearm was seized from the spot and some empty cases along with live bullets were recovered. The SP said three more have been detained and other miscreants involved in the crime are being tracked. He said these criminal elements residing in bordering pockets of Jharkhand operate in both sides of Odisha and Jharkhand. Police said the injured miscreants, Baneswar Singh (20) and Sibanath Singh (26) have been admitted to Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) for treatment. The third criminal has been identified as Bishambhar Singh (25). Dhaba owner Dugru Xalxo has also been admitted to the hospital for a bullet injury in his leg. IG of Police Himanshu Lal said efforts are underway to nab others involved in the incident. The IGP warned the criminals and antisocial elements of Sundargarh and those coming from Jharkhand of stringent police action if they indulge in anti-social activities in Odisha side of the border. A case under sections 310(2) and 311 of BNS besides sections 25 and 27 Arms Act, has been registered. Earlier, a hardcore criminal of Anandpur in adjacent Jharkhand and his crime partner were arrested by the Rourkela police following a brief encounter near Akshayshila waterfall under Bisra block police limits. A SUV with Jharkhand registration number a 9MM pistol, a magazine and two mobile phones were seized.
NIT Rourkela Field Investigator Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 02 Posts Before May 07
TheNational Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 02 Field Investigator posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official NIT Rourkela website. The last date to submit the application form is 07-05-2025.
NCST takes suo motu cognisance of death of a tribal during protest in Odisha
NCST asks Sundargarh district and Rourkela Steel Plant authorities to submit factual reports
Youth beats father to death over Rs 200
Rourkela: A 62-yearold man was allegedly beaten to death by his son Thursday at IDL Gopabandhunagar area under Tangarpali police limits in Rourkela after he refused to give Rs 200, police said. The deceased, identified as Gagan Bihari Malla, was attacked inside his betel shop. Police arrested his younger son, Santosh Malla, 24, from the []
Denied money to buy gutkha, man kills elderly father in Odisha
ROURKELA: A 35-year-old man reportedly killed his elderly father for refusing to give him money to buy gutkha at Gopabandhu Nagar within Tangarpali police limits here on Thursday. Police said Santosh Malla killed his 65-year-old father Achutyananda Malla with a stick. The accused is reportedly mentally unstable. Locals said at around 12 noon, Santosh asked his father to give him money to buy gutkha. When Achutyananda refused to oblige, he lost his temper and picked up a quarrel with him. In a fit of rage, the accused hit his father with a stick. Achutyananda suffered grievous head injury and was rushed to Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) where the doctors declared him brought dead. On being informed, Tangarpali police rushed to the spot, seized the body and detained the accused. Quoting the IIC of Tangarpali police station, deputy SP (DSP) of Zone II Amarendra Sandh said the accused is mentally unstable and works as a driver. Preliminary investigation revealed that Achutyananda owed his son some money. The accused asked his father to return the amount. When Achutyananda refused, he assaulted him with a stick, leading to his death. On being asked about the gutkha angle in the murder, the DSP said he was unaware of it. The accused has been detained and is being interrogated. The deceaseds body was sent for autopsy, he added.
NCST seeks report on tribal mans death in Odisha eviction drive
Bhubaneswar: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has sought an action taken report from the authorities concerned into the death of a tribal man during a recent eviction drive in Odishas Rourkela city, an official statement said. A 35-year-old tribal protester, identified as Ettua Ekka from Barkani village in Sundargarh district, died allegedly after []
ROURKELA: Hailing slain protester Eto Ekka as a martyr, thousands of tribals including women and children took his body in a procession through the Rourkela ring road on Tuesday. Ekka (37) was crushed to death under the wheels of a JCB excavator while opposing the construction of a new rail line project of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) at Barkani near Bondamunda on Saturday. After autopsy, the body was carried in a hearse through the ring road while the tribals marched on foot chanting slogans Saheed Eto Ekka Amar Rahe (long live martyr Eto Ekka) and Desh Bhar Ke Adiwasi Mulwasi Ek Ho (tribal and native people across the country unite). Ekkas body was buried near the accident site at Barkani as per Christian rituals, said panchayat samiti member of Bondamunda Rabi Majhi. Identification of Ekka as a martyr and the attempt to send across message to other tribal communities across the country to unite against displacement and injustice come as a fresh worry for the Sundargarh administration and the RSP. Sources said a section of the disenchanted tribal people have been at loggerheads with the administration, RSP and South Eastern Railway (SER) over displacement issues and lack of rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) benefits. These tribal villagers are staunch supporters of the PESA movement and have been demanding self-rule. They indiscriminately oppose all development projects on the premise that tribal people have natural rights on Jal, Jungle, Jameen (water, forest and land). In the past decade, Sundargarh has seen law and order situations on several occasions with police and administrative officers stopped from entering so-called liberated zones having self-rule of tribals. The fresh development in most likelihood would invigorate the PESA movement, said the sources. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) on Monday issued notice to the Sundargarh collector, Rourkela SP, SAIL chairman and RSP director-in-charge to file report on the death of Ekka in a month. The NCST said non-compliance may lead to summons for personal appearance.
3 kidnap and gang-rape minor girl in Sundargarhs Talsara
ROURKELA: In a shocking incident, a minor girl was kidnapped and gang-raped by three persons - one of them reportedly a juvenile - in a forest under Talsara police limits, about 130 km from Rourkela, in the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. The three suspects were detained in the morning and allegedly confessed to the crime, police said. The victim, about 15, was returning home from a neighbouring village along with her two friends when she was kidnapped in an SUV by the accused and subjected to the sexual assault. After committing the crime, the three dropped off the victim at a secluded location and fled. Police did not reveal the crime location but said the 15-year-old was kidnapped from a village road. Sundargarh SP Pratyush Diwaker said Talsara police received verbal information in the morning, swung into action and rounded up the suspects immediately. As per preliminary report, the three girls were walking back home from a function at a nearby village late in the night when they noticed a four-wheeler tailing them. Diwaker said, the girls were scared and tried to hide when they saw two youths familiar to them on a motorbike. They asked for help and all five tried to ride away on the two-wheeler but the miscreants, driving a Bolero, intercepted them. The bike-borne youths and two girls managed to escape but the victim was caught hold of by the miscreants who bundled her into the four-wheeler. Subsequently, she was assaulted at a nearby forest location. After the incident was verbally reported in the morning, Talsara police acted swiftly and arrested the three culprits from Sundargarh town, Diwaker said, adding the suspects also confessed to the crime. The SP said the victim is in sound health and lodged a complaint. While two of the suspects are adult, the third claimed himself to be 17-year-old. Police said, verification of the juveniles age is underway. The victim was sent for medical examination. Sundargarh SDPO Nirmal Mohapatra said the three suspects have past antecedents.
Girl gang raped in Sundergarh, 3 held
Rourkela: A girl was allegedly raped by three men in a forest in Odishas Sundergarh district, police said Tuesday. The three accused were arrested in the alleged gang rape that took place Monday night in Talsara area when the minor was returning home around 10 PM along with her two friends after attending a community []
BJD urges ST panel to act on tribal mans death in Odisha eviction drive
Bhubaneswar: The Opposition BJD Tuesday sought the intervention of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) into the death of a tribal man during a recent eviction drive conducted by the administration in Rourkela. A 35-year-old tribal protester, identified as Ettua Ekka from Barkani village in Sundergarh district, died allegedly after coming under an excavator []
Minor girl kidnapped, gang-raped in forest area in Sundargarh district
ROURKELA: Three miscreants allegedly kidnapped a 15-year-old girl from a village road in a vehicle and gang-raped her at a forest in Talsara area, located about 130 km from Rourkela. The incident took place on the intervening night of April 21 and April 22. Police said the three culprits were taken into custody immediately after a verbal complaint, and they confessed to the crime. Sundargarh SP Pratyush Diwaker said that as per preliminary investigation, three minor girls, including the victim, were walking back to their homes after attending a function late on April 21. The girls were scared on noticing a four-wheeler following them and hid themselves. The girls saw two youngsters familiar to them arriving on a motorcycle, and they asked for help. All five tried to ride the single motorbike and escape. But the miscreants in the four-wheeler intercepted them, he said. Diwaker said that while the two youngsters and two girls managed to escape, the victim was caught and forcibly taken in the four-wheeler. Subsequently, she was sexually assaulted at a nearby forest and was dropped at a secluded location. The SP said the police would soon record the statement of the victim and further investigation would proceed based on it. Police said that while two of the culprits are found adult, the third culprit claimed to be a juvenile (17). The verification of his actual age is underway. While the medical examination of the victim has been completed, the examination of the accused is pending. Sundargarh SDPO Nirmal Mohapatra said as per preliminary information, the culprits have past criminal antecedents. Further investigation is underway.
Tribals release protesters body for autopsy, vow to continue agitation
ROURKELA: Tribals protesting the new rail line project of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) partly eased pressure on Sundargarh administration on Sunday night by allowing police to take the body of Eto Ekka for postmortem, but vowed to continue their agitation over displacement issue indefinitely. Ekka (37) was crushed to death after allegedly jumping in front of a moving JCB excavator engaged by South Eastern Railway (SER) to start work on the new double railway line at Barkani near Bondamunda on Saturday. The tribals intensified their agitation at the site with Ekkas body which had started showing signs of decomposition due to intense heat. Sources said the agitators were persuaded by top officials of the district administration to allow shifting of the body to Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) morgue. A senior administrative officer requesting anonymity said the protesters relented after it was assured that the Rehabilitation and Periphery Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC) meeting would be held in a month to discuss their displacement-related grievances. Till then, work at the site would remain suspended and adequate compensation would be paid to Ekkas family. On Monday, CGM (Town Administration and CSR) of RSP PK Swain held a meeting with administrative officials and the agitators and gave a written assurance that an ex gratia of `16 lakh would be transferred to the bank account of Ekkas widow Anjali. Besides, Anjali would be provided compassionate appointment/employment while RSP would sponsor school education of her two children. Additionally, the district administration would pay `4 lakh ex gratia to Anjali from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund. The CGM also assured to provide compassionate appointment/employment to one Sura Kujur, who was hit by the excavator and suffered injuries, after assessment of his medical fitness. Deme Oram, who is leading the protest, said their agitation would continue peacefully. We expect the RPDAC meeting to resolve displacement grievances related to RSP and SER as per the agreement reached by the district administration during a rail roko protest in January 2006, he added. Among others, DIG (Western Range) Brijesh Rai, in-charge Sundargarh collector and Rourkela ADM Ashutosh Kulkarni, SP Nitesh Wadhwani, ADM (Revenue) Abhimanyu Majhi and Panposh sub-collector Bijay Nayak were present during the discussion with the agitators. On Saturday, the SER had tried to start work on the new double line from RSP to Dumerta via Barkani using the excavator. The agitators tried to stop the heavy construction machine during which Ekka was killed and Kujur sustained injuries. Subsequently, the protesters resorted to stone pelting and also clashed with police. At least 18 people including eight policemen and an additional tehsildar were injured in the violence.
Heatwave to hit interior, western Odisha districts for next four days
BHUBANESWAR : After witnessing strong northwesters for last over two weeks, Odisha on Monday experienced sweltering heat and the weather is expected to get even warmer as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave warning for interior and western districts for the next four days. The national weather forecaster said heatwave condition is likely to prevail at a few places in Jharsuguda, Balangir, Sundargarh and Sambalpur districts on Tuesday. While no heatwave warning has been issued for coastal districts, they may experience hot and humid weather from Wednesday onwards due to moisture availability. Director of Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Manorama Mohanty said, Heatwave and humid conditions are expected to prevail in parts of the state between Tuesday and Friday as norwester rains have stopped and hot and dry north-westerly winds are blowing inwards. The regional met office has predicted a rise in day temperatures by 3 degree Celsius to 5 degree C within the next two days. The day temperature is likely to remain over 42 degree C in Angul, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Balangir, Sonepur, Boudh, Bargarh, Kalahandi and Nuapada districts for the next four days. On the day, Jharsuguda sizzled at 45.4 degree C and recorded this seasons highest day temperature in the state. Maharashtras Chandrapur was the hottest in the country at 45.6 degree C, followed by Jharsuguda. The temperature in Jharsuguda was above normal by 4.2 degree C. At least 13 other places recorded 40 degree C or more in Odisha on Monday. Similarly, while Boudh recorded 43.2 degree C, Sambalpur, Sundargarh and Titilagarh logged 43 degree C each, Bhawanipatna 42.5 degree C, Hirakud 42.4 degree C, Balangir 42.3 degree C, Sonepur 42.1 degree C, Rourkela and Bargarh 42 degree C each, Angul 41.7 degree C, Nuapada 41.5 degree C and Paralakhemundi 40 degree C. Citizens of coastal districts experienced uneasiness due to prevalence of high humidity in the region. The humidity was 83 per cent in Gopalpur, 82 pc in Balasore, 81 pc in Paradip, 80 pc in Puri and 70 pc in Bhubaneswar.
NIT Rourkela Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 01 Posts Before April 23
TheNational Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 01 Junior Research Fellow posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official NIT Rourkela website. The last date to submit the application form is 23-04-2025.
Rourkela Forest Division Recruitment 2025: On 7th April 2025, Rourkela Forest Division has released Recruitment 2025 Notification for 02 Veterinary Officer, Livestock Assistant vacancies. Apply Offline from 10 April to 21 April 2025 at sundargarh.odisha.gov.in
Bioink helps in bone regeneration; fixes issues in the injured
A Bio-ink developed from natural materials promises to help improve bone grafting and implants in people suffering from injury or disease of bones. A research team from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, focused on improving existing bone repair techniques in coming up with the natural bioink that is biocompatible, easy to use, and 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 .
NIT Rourkela researchers develop bioink for bone regeneration; secure patent
NEW DELHI: Researchers at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NITR) have made a significant breakthrough in bone regeneration by developing a unique bioink that is biocompatible for human bone regeneration. This innovative bioink is designed to address the challenges with bone grafting and implants, which are commonly used to treat bone defects caused by injury or disease. Made from natural materials, the bioink is easy to use for the 3D bioprinting of bone-like structures. One of the key advantages of this bioink is that it can be printed directly onto injuries, providing a simpler alternative to traditional bone grafts and implants. The technology has also been granted a patent. Traditional bone grafting involves using bone from another part of the body or a donor to replace the damaged bone, but this method has several drawbacks, including pain, limited availability, and the risk of rejection. Metal implants, such as titanium plates, are another option for repairing damaged bones; however, these do not always bond well with natural bone and can lead to complications over time. Both methods often require surgery and, in some cases, multiple procedures for proper healing, said Prof. Devendra Verma, Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering at NITR, who developed the technology alongside researchers Tanmay Bharadwaj and Shreya Chrungoo. Meanwhile, there are existing bioink technologies which can also repair damaged bones, they tend to be slow and complex. These bioinks require a lengthy preparation period under laboratory conditions before they can be implanted, and the printed tissue must be maintained in a controlled environment for the cells to grow and form functional bone before use. To overcome the challenges posed by existing technologies, the NITR researchers simplified the process, making treatment more efficient. They developed a bioink that remains liquid at room temperature but quickly transforms into a gel when exposed to body temperature and variations in pH levels. This allows it to be printed directly onto an injury, meaning the material is applied at the injury site instead of being printed separately and implanted later, explained Verma. The adaptability of the bioink makes it suitable for treating irregularly shaped bone defects, providing a personalized approach to bone regeneration, he added. The findings of their research have been published in journals including the Journal of Biomaterials Science and Carbohydrate Polymers. Research and clinical trials will help determine its effectiveness in real-world applications, paving the way for its use in orthopedic and reconstructive surgery, he added. Researchers also noted that the new bioink technology can be utilised in research to study bone tissue engineering and to test new therapies in laboratory and preclinical settings. The team plans to test the developed bioink in appropriate animal models and develop a scalable production process in a Good Manufacturing Practices facility for future clinical trials. To facilitate commercialization, the researchers have also established a startup, Quixotix Bioprinting Pvt. Ltd.
SAIL Plans To More Than Double Rourkela Plant Capacity For Rs 30,000 Crore
At present, the total steelmaking capacity of Steel Authority of India Ltd. stands at 20.3 million tonnes per annum, of which RSP's contribution is 4.4 MTPA.
Managing diabetes: Now, AI will predict blood sugar levels
An AI-driven technique now helps predict levels of blood glucose and improve the management of diabetes. Prof Mirza Khalid Baig and his team at the National Institute of Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) have developed the Artificial Intelligence approach to improve blood sugar predictions for people with diabetes. Prof Khalid Baig, Assistant Professor of Biotechnology and Medical 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 .
JEE Main Session 2: Seat availability At NITs, JoSAA 2025 Counselling And Other Details
JoSAA 2025 is jointly organised by IIT Kanpur and NIT Rourkela. CSAB 2025 is led by NIT Rourkela.
Meet man, engineering graduate, who is set to lead govt company, it is India's first...
A mechanical engineering graduate from the regional engineering college in Rourkela, Kanti joined IndianOil in 1994.
Meet man who lived in humble house, now owns mansion in Dubai, luxury cars, he is from...
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, he shared two contrasting images, one depicting his childhood home in Rourkela, a small and rundown structure where he grew up, and the other showcasing his current residence-a lavish mansion in Dubai, accompanied by a Porsche Taycan and a G Wagon Brabus 800.
ROURKELA: A tusker succumbed to severe injuries inside the Kusumura reserve forest near Karuabahal village of Ujjalpur range of Sundargarh Forest Division (SFD) on Saturday noon. It is suspected the ill-fated elephant was gored to death by another tusker. Sources said during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, the elephant tracking squads spotted the elephant and planned to extend treatment on Saturday morning. Accordingly, the SFD authorities along with veterinary doctors reached the spot, but the elephant collapsed and died between 10 to 10.30 am on Saturday. Sundargarh Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Pradeep Mirase said the tusker had arrived from the adjacent forest of Chhattisgarh, adding that when they saw the elephant it was active, but its movement was sluggish. Mirase said they had come prepared to tranquilise the tusker for cleaning of its wounds for treatment in standing position, but it collapsed and died shortly after. He said after close examination of the carcass the veterinary authorities concluded the tusker died of fatal injuries with deep piercing from tusks of another tusker following a deadly fight. Mirase said besides small injury marks on the body of the tusker there were two deep stabbing injuries in the neck region and hind thigh which were infested by maggots, adding it appeared the deadly battle occurred between the tuskers 4-5 days ago. The DFO also said the height of the deep goring injuries could be reached by another elephant. One of the broken tusks of the dead elephant was found nearby which was stained with blood, the DFO said, adding that it is highly possible the other warring tusker also might have sustained severe goring injury. He said the Joint Task Force has been informed of the incident along with sharing of video and photographic evidences. However, the other tusker could not be traced in the nearby region. Efforts were underway to conduct autopsy on the carcass and bury it nearby the spot of its death.
NIT Rourkela develops traffic management solution using deep learning models
Tamil Nadu Dragons beat Hyderabd Toofans 4-3 in shoot-out in mens HIL
ROURKELA, Jan 23: Tamil Nadu Dragons edged past Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 in shoot-out to climb to the top of the Mens Hockey India League table here on Thursday. This was after both the teams were locked 2-2 at the end of regulation time. In the regulation 60 minutes, Tim Brand (3rd minute) scored from a field effort while Maico Casella converted a penalty corner in the 59th minute for Hyderabad Toofans. Australian Blake Govers scored from a field strike [] The post Tamil Nadu Dragons beat Hyderabd Toofans 4-3 in shoot-out in mens HIL appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Tata Power and OREDA Join Forces to Boost Rooftop Solar Adoption in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power and a key player in Indias renewable energy sector, has partnered with the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (OREDA) to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar systems in Odisha under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana (PMSGY). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Shri Saidutta Biplab Keshari Pradhan, CEO of OREDA, and Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD of Tata Power, in the presence of Odishas Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo and Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja. This initiative aims to expand Odishas renewable energy footprint by promoting accessible and affordable solar energy solutions, implemented through Tata Powers four DISCOMs in the state. The program focuses on increasing public awareness and streamlining solar adoption for residential consumers. Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. Praveer Sinha said, This partnership underscores Tata Power's commitment to Odishas development and the states renewable energy goals. We are proud to support the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and work with the state government to mainstream solar power. TPREL, identified as a preferred partner by OREDA, will ensure the provision of reliable and efficient solar solutions with lifetime care. As part of the initiative, awareness drives will be conducted at high-visibility locations such as airports, malls, and railway stations. The company will also develop educational materials on renewable energy, train rooftop installation personnel, and engage with local communities to foster technical expertise. OREDA CEO Shri Pradhan highlighted the states vast solar energy potential, stating, Our partnership with Tata Power is a crucial step in harnessing Odishas solar resources to meet the states energy demands sustainably. Together, we aim to empower consumers and accelerate renewable energy adoption. Odisha, which offers the highest solar subsidies in India, is set to lead the solar revolution, significantly reducing financial barriers for consumers. The initial rollout of the initiative will focus on key cities, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Paradip, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Balasore, and Rourkela, with plans to expand statewide. OREDA and Tata Power will jointly oversee public awareness campaigns, guide government agencies, and conduct regular reviews to ensure the programs success, marking a significant step toward a sustainable energy future for Odisha.
Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand to Drive India's Economic Growth by 2047: CM Majhi
Bhubaneswar : The mineral-rich states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand will play a pivotal role in driving Indias economic growth and achieving the dream of a developed nation by 2047, said Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the 3rd National Mines Ministers Conference held in Konark on Monday. Highlighting the significance of the event, Majhi said it was fitting for Odisha, one of the country's richest mineral-bearing states, to host the conference. He emphasised the region's contribution to Indias economy, noting that the three states supply over two-thirds of the countrys demand for base metals. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rightly referred to Eastern India as Purvadoya. To fulfill his vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, Odisha will play a crucial role, alongside Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, in fueling the nations growth, Majhi stated. The Chief Minister stressed the need for sustainable mining practices to preserve finite natural resources. He called for a shift from export-led mining to consumption-driven mining while minimizing environmental impact. It is our responsibility to ensure that development and environmental protection go hand in hand. Odisha is committed to adopting greener and cleaner technologies, he added. Majhi highlighted Odishas emergence as a steel production hub, now accounting for over 25 per cent of Indias total steel output. The state is home to more than 36 major steel plants, a significant increase from the single steel plant in Rourkela decades ago. With ambitious plans and favorable policies, Odishas steel output is projected to grow substantially by 2030. Since his government took office seven months ago, Majhi said, transformative steps have been taken to create a business-friendly environment. Initiatives such as a simplified industrial policy, single-window approvals, and fast-tracking permissions have already attracted significant investments, including the signing of eight MoUs with leading industrial houses. Majhi also revealed promising news of potential lithium reserves in Odisha, which could benefit the e-battery industry. Odisha, already rich in coal and other minerals, is poised to contribute to Indias clean energy goals. He praised the Modi governments efforts in renewable energy, with India surpassing 200 GW of non-fossil energy capacity and progressing toward the 2030 target of 500 GW. The Chief Minister underlined the importance of research and development in mining, calling for the adoption of modern technologies like drones and artificial intelligence to reduce costs and enhance environmental conservation. Majhi expressed concern about the lack of benefits reaching people living around mining areas and emphasized the need for inclusive growth. It is our duty to ensure that those residing in mining areas benefit from development. Collaborative governance and effective implementation of welfare initiatives are crucial, he said. As Odisha gears up for the Utkarsh Odisha Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, Majhi extended an invitation to industry leaders to invest in the state. He reiterated Odishas commitment to becoming a global leader in the mining sector through sustainable practices, advanced technology, and responsible resource utilization. Majhi expressed confidence in achieving the ambitious target of transforming Odisha into Samruddha Odisha by 2036, coinciding with the states centenary celebration. Indias growth is the sum total of its states' progress. Together, we can fuel a stronger, greener, and more prosperous India, he said. The conference witnessed the participation of Union minister of coal and mines G. Kishan Reddy, deputy chief ministers of Chhattisgarh and Telangana, mines ministers from 11 states, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders from the mining sector.
Three workers die in Odisha cement plant collapse
Bhubaneswar: The bodies of three missing labourers were on Saturday recovered from the debris of a collapsed iron structure on the premises of a cement plant in Odisha's Sundergarh district, after a 36-hour rescue operation, police said. The deceased have been identified as Susanta Rout (58), Ranjit Bhol (24) and Dashrath Patra (42), who were engaged by a contractor at the captive power plant in Rajgangpur, they said. The workers were trapped after a coal hopper a big iron structure used for storing large quantities of coal collapsed on Thursday evening, said Brijesh Kumar Rai, DIG, Western Range (Rourkela). The coal hopper was operated by a third-party vendor engaged by Dalmia Cement, the company had earlier said in a statement. Over 60 other workers were safely rescued on the day of the accident, officials said. Personnel of the fire service department, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and local police teams carried out the rescue operation. Further investigation is underway.
India men, womens hockey teams begin season with Pro League matches in Bhubaneswar next month
BHUBANESWAR, Jan 16: The Indian mens and womens hockey teams will commence their international assignments this year with the high-profile FIH Pro League matches here from February 15. The Indian mens team will face Spain, while their women counterparts will take on England on February 15 at the Kalinga Stadium. Most of the Indian mens and womens team players are currently playing in the Hockey India League (HIL) in Rourkela and Ranchi respectively. The Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro [] The post India men, womens hockey teams begin season with Pro League matches in Bhubaneswar next month appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Hockey: Hyderabad Toofans destroy Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in HIL
Rourkela: Hyderabad Toofans enjoyed a commanding win over the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers as they stormed to a 5-1 triumph (Gonzalo Peillat 6 & 30, Maico Casella 21, Tim Brand 47 and Arshdeep Singh 54) in the Mens Hockey India League (HIL) clash at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Sunday, January 2024. 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 .
HIL: Hyderabad Toofans overcome Soorma Hockey 4-3 in shoot-out
ROURKELA, Jan 11: Hyderabad Toofans scored a thrilling 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Soorma Hockey Club after the teams were locked in a 1-1 stalemate at the end of regulation time in a Hockey India League match here on Saturday. Nicolas Della Torre (8th) gave Soorma Hockey Club the lead in the first quarter before Amandeep Lakra (40th) brought the Hyderabad Toofans back on level terms with a fierce drag flick. Hyderabad Toofans goalkeeper Dominic Dixsons heroics in sudden death [] The post HIL: Hyderabad Toofans overcome Soorma Hockey 4-3 in shoot-out appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
