WAVES Day 3: Odisha CM for global recognition for indigenous sports
HC asks CUO to appoint lecturers on contract relieved from posts as asst profs
India, Angola expand energy partnership, sign key agreements to strengthen bilateral ties
New Delhi: India and Angola Saturday signed several key agreements following the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Angolan President Joo Manuel Goncalves Lourenco at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in the field of Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine and on cooperation []
Nepalese student cremated in Puri
AIIMS seeks 100 acres from state govt for expansion
Odisha leads push to promote indigenous sports at WAVES
Govt to come up with new EV policy to encourage shift to green vehicles
Raj Bhavan to run fully on solar power soon: Governor
Pakistan has launched disinformation campaign: Indian Army
Jammu: The Indian Army informed Saturday that the Pakistani media and their proxy social media handles have launched a disinformation campaign against the countrys armed forces officers after being rattled by Indias firm resolve to punish the perpetrators of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In the wake of Indias firm resolve to punish the []
Kolkata: The move by the Odisha government directing the Shree Jaagnnatha Temple Administration, Puri to initiate a probe into the controversy surrounding the newly-built Jagannath Temple, officially termed as a cultural centre, at Digha in East Midnapore district of West Bengal is quite justified, according to fashion designer-turned-politician and the BJP legislator from West Bengal, []
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 []
Navy Chief meets PM Modi amid strained India-Pakistan relations
New Delhi: Amid the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg Saturday. The high-level meeting comes at a time []
RCB set 214-run target against CSK in IPL clash
Bengaluru: Half-centuries from Jacob Bethell (55) and Virat Kohli (62) as well as a late 14-ball 53 not out from Romario Shepherd helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru set a 214-run target against Chennai Super Kings, in their IPL contest in Bengaluru Saturday. Kohli smacked five sixes and as many fours to make 62 off only 33 []
Odisha man sentenced to 20 years RI for sexually assaulting 7-year-old boy
Baripada: A local court in Odishas Mayurbhanj district Saturday sentenced a 25-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a seven-year-old boy. The judgment was delivered by Judge Santosh Kumar Nayak of the Fast Track Special Court under POCSO Act. The court also imposed a fine of Rs []
Odisha's BJP Government Plans Mega Celebration To Mark One Year In Office
In the past eleven months, the Mohan Majhi government claims to have fulfilled a significant portion of its electoral promises
Omar Abdullah calls on PM Modi, discusses situation in J-K
New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday and discussed various issues, including last weeks terror attack in Pahalgam, officials said. The meeting at the prime ministers residence lasted around 30 minutes, they said. This is the first meeting between the two leaders since the April 22 []
Twin brothers top district in Odisha Class X exam with identical scores
The brothers scored 560 out of 600 marks in this years matriculation examination, results of which were announced by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odishaon May 2
Engineer thrashed to death in Odishas Jajpur
Jajpur: A 22-year-old engineer was allegedly thrashed to death by the owner of a crusher unit in Odishas Jajpur district, police said Saturday. The deceased Arjit Jena was a resident of Jaraka in the district. The incident came to light Arijits father Ajaya Kumar filed a complaint with Dharmasala police Friday night. According to the []
Odisha Governor converts most of his official fleet to electric vehicles
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati hopes to transform Raj Bhawan into a net-zero energy campus
58-year-old man from Odisha arrested in Duvvada double murder case
Maoist killed in a gunfight with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Gariabad
RAIPUR: A Maoist was killed in a gunfight with the security forces near hilly forested terrain of Motipani in Gariaband district, about 170 km east of Raipur, the police said on Saturday. Based on specific inputs about the presence of Maoists in the forest region of Motipani village under Jugad police station limits in Gariaband, a joint team comprising E-30 district force and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a search operation. When the forces reached the hilly terrain close to Motipani, the Maoists opened indiscriminate firing resulting in an exchange of fire. The body of Maoist was found after the encounter. The gunfight continued for around half-an hour. The Red rebels later fled into the nearby jungles, said Nikhil Rakhecha, Gariaband district police chief. The deceased Naxal has been identified as Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) Yogesh carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh on his head, the officer added. Sources said , no security personnel were injured in the operation. The forces also recovered one self loading rifle (SLR), explosives and naxal materials during further search operations in the area. This year, 146 bodies of Maoists have been recovered so far in various encounters in Chhattisgarh including 129 killed in the Bastar division. Gariaband, adjoining Odisha state, is among the Maoist-affected districts of Chhattisgarh.
CRPF Dismisses Jawan Who Married Pak Woman Without Intimation
New Delhi, May 3: The Central Reserve Police Force has dismissed from service its jawan Munir Ahmed for concealing his marriage with a Pakistani woman as his action was found to be detrimental to national security, official sources said Saturday. The jawan was last posted with the 41st battalion of paramilitary CRPF, the lead internal security force of the country. He was dismissed from service under the rules that do not require conducting an enquiry, official sources said. Munir Ahmed [] The post CRPF Dismisses Jawan Who Married Pak Woman Without Intimation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Two dead, three injured as under-construction bridge collapses in Cuttack
Cuttack: Two people died and three others were injured after a slab of an under-construction bridge collapsed in Khannagar area of Cuttack Saturday, a source said. According to the source, two of the injured were brought to SCB Medical College and Hospital in an ambulance, while the others were rushed to the hospital in a []
Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wins second three-year term
Melbourne: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has become the first Australian prime minister to win a second consecutive three-year term in 21 years. Opposition leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat in Saturdays election, saying, We didnt do well enough during this campaign, that much is obvious tonight, and I accept full responsibility for that. Earlier on, I []
Vijay Deverakonda apologises after Tribe remark sparks row
Chennai: Clarifying what he meant when he used the word tribe at the pre-release event of actor Suriyas Retro, actor Vijay Deverakonda Saturday said that he had no intention to hurt or target any community, especially Scheduled Tribes and that if any part of his message at the pre-release event was misunderstood or hurtful, he []
Pakistani actress Mahira Khans poster appears on public toilet in Mumbai
Mumbai: Responding to the horrifying Pahalgam attack, activist Faizaan Ansari decided to stick posters of popular Pakistani actress Mahira Khan on the Municipal public toilets in Mumbai. When asked about this, Faizaan told IANS, I have said this earlier as well that Pakistan is solely responsible for the Pahalgam attack. I have initiated a campaign []
Indian terror suspect searched in flight from Chennai, says Sri Lankan police
COLOMBO: Sri Lankan police on Saturday searched a flight arriving here from Chennai after being tipped-off that a suspect linked to the Pahalgam terror attack could be on board, police spokesperson said here. A statement from the national carrier SriLankan Airlines said that its flight arrived at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport from Chennai at 11:59 am and underwent a comprehensive security inspection upon arrival. The search was carried out in coordination with local authorities following an alert from the Chennai Area Control Centre regarding a suspect wanted in India who was believed to be on board, the statement said. The aircraft was thoroughly inspected and subsequently cleared for further operations, it added. Terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. Indian authorities have identified five terrorists-- including three Pakistani nationals--behind the massacre in Pahalgam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 24 vowed to punish the terrorists behind the Pahalgam terror attack and those part of the conspiracy beyond their imagination, asserting that the country's enemies targeted not merely unarmed tourists but dared to attack India's soul. In a high-level meeting with the top defence brass on April 29, Modi asserted that the armed forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the terror attack, according to government sources.
Odisha: Red Cross School for Blind in Ganjam achieves 100% HSC results for 42nd year
Berhampur: The Red Cross School for the Blind in Odishas Ganjam district has again achieved 100 per cent pass percentage in the High School Certificate (HSC) examination, the results of which were announced Friday. All 11 visually impaired students, including four girls, who appeared for the examination this year passed, principal Priya Ranjan Mahakuda said. []
OPSC Associate Professor Interview Schedule 2025 Released Check Date Details at opsc.gov.in
OPSC Interview Schedule 2025: Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released the Interview Schedule for the Associate Professor post on its opsc.gov.in and Candidates Can get their Date of Interviewed of Associate Professor in OPSC 2025 from this Page.
Odisha CM Majhi Pushes For Fast-Tracking Of Greenfield Airports At Puri And Paradip
IMD forecasts thunderstorms, hailstorms over major parts of India this week
After stormy weather in the past 24-hours in North India, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange alert for Northwest India, including the Delhi-NCR region, as well as East and Central India, for the next four days. The regions are expected to experience heavy rainfall, accompanied by lightning, hailstorms, and strong winds, occur throughout the week. Following it, the IMD has issued an agromet advisory to protect crops and orchards. They also urged residents of vulnerable regions, particularly in urban and hilly areas to take necessary precautions before the hazardous weather. In the past 24-hours, Delhi's Safdarjung station recorded 77 mm of rainfall, marking the second-highest amount of rainfall for May since 1901. The highest was 119.3 mm, recorded on May 20, 2021, at the Safdarjung Airport. This recent rainfall was associated with the remnants of the Tauktae cyclone that crossed the Gujarat coast. After significant downpours along with thunderstorms, minimum temperatures in Delhi-NCR dropped by as much as 8C, and it has been predicted that maximum temperatures in Delhi-NCR will be below normal by 1-3C in the coming days. The IMD reports that multiple weather systems are currently in place, leading to continued rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in the region. A combination of a western disturbance and a series of cyclonic circulations over Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana has created hazardous weather conditions across large areas of North India. These weather systems are expected to remain active throughout the week. In some areas, there may be dust storms and isolated hailstorms, particularly in parts of Rajasthan. In addition to Northwest India, multiple weather systems are present over Central and Eastern India, resulting in widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning. The IMD's advisory notes the existence of a cyclonic system over Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, as well as a trough running from Punjab to North Kerala. Furthermore, another cyclonic circulation is located over northern Bangladesh at lower and middle tropospheric levels. All these systems are anticipated to bring rain across the country in the coming days, indicating active pre-monsoon showers and causing unseasonal rainfall. This unseasonal rain is expected to be beneficial for upcoming crops, as it will help replenish soil moisture during a typically dry period, said Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather, a private weather agency. In its agromet advisory, IMD advised to drain out excess water from standing crops in Odisha, Kerala and Karnataka whereas it advised use of hail nets and caps to prevent damage in vegetables and orchards in Sikkim, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha. For livestock, it advised to keep animals inside shed during rainfall and hailstorm and feed and fodders at safe place. Additionally, residents should monitor the weather and be prepared to move to safer areas if conditions worsen.
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.
Business Wire India World Education Summit 2025 AsiaTodaysuccessfullyhostedthe 15th WorldEducationSummit2025 on 30th April at Hotel The Park, New Delhi. Thesummitwas graced by esteemed guests, including Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Honble Minister of State of Jal Shakti, Government of India; Nilesh Ronil Kumar, Counsellor, High Commission of the Republic of Fiji; and Mohan Singh Bisht, Deputy Speaker of Delhi Legislative Assembly. During theWorldEducationSummit2025, Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, Honble Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, stated, The Modi government has taken several well-planned steps to turn the vision of a developed India into reality. Special focus has been given to initiatives like the NewEducationPolicy and Digital India, which are preparing the youth to compete globally. At the same time, development is reaching every corner of the country through schemes such as support for small and medium enterprises, women empowerment, the Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Har Ghar Nal Yojana. Throughout the event, educationists engaged in meaningful discussions on integrating AI into classrooms, developing student-centric learning models, and preparing educators for a tech-driven future. Speakers emphasized the need to embrace innovative teaching methods and ensure that teachers are equipped with the right tools and training to keep pace with technological advancements. Pradeep Choudhry is the active CEO of Asia Today Media, said that Education is the pillar to success, and it was an honour to have the educationists from all over India on a single platform who are working tremendously for the bright future of the youth. Education plays a crucial role in ones life and thats what makes you a good human. A special felicitation ceremony was held to recognize educators and institutions that have made significant contributions to the field ofeducation. From digital learning initiatives to inclusiveeducationmodels, thesummitcelebrated impactful work being done to transform student experiences and outcomes. The summit felicitated around Twenty educational institutions and leaders across the nation, including SRM University AP - One of The Best University With Excellent Placement of The Year-India, Johnson Grammar School ICSE & ISC Mallapur - Best Private Co-Education School of The Year-Telangna, Admissiongyan Education Consultancy - Most Trusted German Education Consultant in India, International School of Technology and Sciences For Women - One of The Best Engineering College for Women-Andhra Pradesh, Sri Siddhartha Institute of Management Studies - Most Trusted Institute of Management- Karnataka, Rathods IAS Academy - Best UPSC IAS Coaching Institute In Hyderabad, Mr. P. Venkata Ramesh - Academic Advisor of The Year, Alphores Women's Degree & Pg College - Best Womens Degree College With Academic Excellence in Telangana, Little Flower Group of Institutions - Best Group of Institute With Academic Excellence of The Year, Mere Nanhe Kadam - Best Pre-School in Jharkhand, Satluj Public School - Most Trusted Group of School of The Year, Pingaksh Foundation- Excellence in Social Work-Education, Burdwan Holy Child School - Best School With Academic Excellence of The Year-West Bengal, Ark Reflections IAS By Madhu Ram- Best UPSC Coaching Centre in Hyderabad, Sri Institute of Management Mba College - Best Rural Area Mba College in Odisha, KIIT World School - Best School for Imparting Quality Education in Delhi, Mr. Alok - Most Admired Education Consultant-Delhi, Shoobhi Foundation- Admired Computer Training Institute For Poor Student in Delhi, Shivalik Institute Of Paramedical Technology- Best Paramedical College in Chandigarh. About Asia Today Media Asia Today Media is a dynamic global media and analytical company providing research, analysis and rating services. We have been providing state of the art market research, rating and analysis for organizations of all sizes.
Minor girl molested at SSD hostel in Koraput
Nandapur/Lamtaput: A serious allegation of molestation has surfaced from a girls hostel run by the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development department in Lamtaput block under Nandapur police sub-division in Koraput district. According to reports, an unidentified youth entered the hostel and allegedly molested an 8-year-old girl student April 13 night. The incident came to []
Labourer thrashed to death on Labour Day
Jajpur: A 22-year-old labourer identified as Arijit Jena from Jaraka village, died on Labour Day after allegedly being thrashed and tortured by the owner and staff of a private stone crusher unit in Jajpur district. According to the complaint filed by Arijits father, the incident occurred at Padmabati Crusher in Rahadpur under Jenapur police limits. []
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.
Upset over poor show in HSC exam, Odisha boy ends life
JAGATSINGHPUR: A 15-year-old boy of Alasudha village within Jagatsinghpur police limits allegedly died by suicide after performing poorly in the High School Certificate (HSC) examination, results of which were declared on Friday. Police said the boy, a Class X student of Purohitpur high school in Jagatsinghpur town, had appeared the HSC examination this year. He reportedly scored 296 out of total 600 marks, which was just below 50 per cent. Family members said the boy was expecting to score at least 80 per cent marks. After the results were published, he became upset and locked himself in his room. Subsequently, he hanged himself from the ceiling fan. Police said no suicide note was recovered from the scene. It is suspected that the boy was distressed over his academic performance. Police seized the body and sent it to Jagatsinghpur district headquarters hospital for postmortem. A case of unnatural death (UD) has been registered and further investigation is underway.
Odisha HSC results: 94.93% students make the grades
CUTTACK: The overall pass rate in the annual high school certificate (HSC) examinations- 2025 dipped by 1.14 per cent from last year as 94.93 per cent students have emerged successful this year. The pass rate was 96.07 per cent in 2024. As per the results announced by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) on Friday, 4,84,863 of the 5,02,417 students who had appeared the exams this year have passed. While 1,812 students have achieved A1 grade securing more than 90 per cent marks, 12,200 have obtained A2 grade ( 80 to 89 per cent). As many as 38,831 students secured B1 (70 to 79 per cent), 84,971 got B2 (60 to 69 per cent), 1,33,882 C (50 to 59 per cent), 1,46,154 D (40 to 49 per cent) and 67,013 students obtained E ( 30 to 39 per cent). Around 17,384 students have failed to succeed in the examination. Congratulating the students for the performance, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said, the exams this year had passed off smoothly and results published on time as the government had taken all measures to ensure foolproof test and evaluation process. Girls continued to retain their supremacy over boys this year. While 96 per cent girls passed the exam, the rate among boys was 94 per cent. Among the districts, Gajapati posted the highest 99.35 per cent pass rate while lowest 92.83 per cent was reported from Koraput. Like last year, there was no NIL result in any high school of the state. While schools posted 100 per cent result this year, the number was 2,644 last year. The BSE has also announced Madhyama and State Open School Certificate(SOSC) examinations which were conducted simultaneously with annual HSC examination. The result of the Sanskrit Madhyama has shown a decline in pass per cent by 12.33. As many as 2,917 students had appeared the exam of whom 2,868 have succeeded by registering 85.79 pass rate. Last year, the pass percentage was 98.12. However, there has been an increase in the pass percentage in the (SOSC) examination. While 74.88 per cent of 5,591 candidates have passed this year, the rate was 59.88 last year. BSE president Srikant Tarai said, the students will immediately get their digitized certificate online while hard copies of the certificates will also be provided to them. A control room has been set up which will be operational till May 9. Candidates can make any query relating to their results over phone number-0671-2412059, 2412060 and 8763088890 in between 10.30 am to 5 pm on the working days, informed vice-president Nihar Ranjan Mohanty. Mohanty said candidates dissatisfied with their result can apply for rechecking or addition of marks from May 5 to May 16.
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 []
Two men found murdered under mysterious circumstances in Odisha's Bargarh village
BARGARH: Two men were reportedly found murdered under mysterious circumstances inside a house at Baghipali village within Bheden police limits in Bargarh district on Thursday afternoon. The deceased were identified as Magha Bhue (55), the owner of the house, and Tarani Bag (35) of Baghipali. Sources said the duo was killed at around 3 pm on Thursday and the matter was reported to police by villagers in the evening. Magha was reportedly drinking alcohol with Tarani at his home when the incident took place. As a marriage ceremony was underway in the village, locals were occupied with it. When neighbours returned home after the wedding, they found both the men dead inside Maghas house. While the exact reason behind the deaths remains unclear, locals believe a confrontation between the duo during the drinking session may have led to the incident. However, villagers denied any past dispute between the two. On being informed, police rushed to the spot and seized the bodies for postmortem. Kuchinda IIC Susanta Das said an investigation was launched into the incident with the help of scientific team and dog squad. Villagers and family members of both the deceased are being questioned to ascertain the sequence of events. The postmortem was conducted on Friday and the bodies were handed over to the bereaved families, Das added. Sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) P Tripathy said preliminary investigation suggests Tarani first killed Magha in a drunken rage and was later murdered by a third person. Police have seized a knife, steel pipe and a wooden baton from the crime scene. Police suspect the involvement of Maghas son in the incident. No further details can be revealed as investigation is underway, he added.
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.
Odisha man arrested for cheating realtor of Rs 2.83 crore
ROURKELA: Jhirpani police on Friday arrested a 55-year-old man for allegedly duping a real estate businessman of Rs 2.83 crore. Police said Md Qumar Khan of Koelnagar along with his wife and an accomplice cheated realtor Biswa Bhusan Nanda (36) in 2024. Khans wife Sindhu AS (50), a native of Chengannur in Kerala, worked as a teacher in a reputed English medium school in Rourkela. In December last year, Nanda of Basanti Colony had filed a complaint with police stating that Sindhu was known to him through his sister. She along with her husband and their accomplice Pradipta Patnayak (50) duped him with the false promise of a profitable land deal, he alleged. The complainant claimed Sindhu informed him that her relatives and acquaintances in Chengannur were interested in selling their land worth Rs 3 crore. The accused trio told him to invest quickly as the land value was rising fast. Subsequently, he paid them Rs 2.83 crore in installments between April and May 2024. Nanda said when the accused could not provide him the land, he realised that he had been duped. Jhirpani IIC Pradip Nayak while Khan was arrested, his wife Sindhu and the other accused person were admitted to hospital after they complained of ill health. They would be arrested after discharge from hospital. The duped amount is yet to be recovered, he added.
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.
Horoscope May 3: Leo will receive extremely good news; auspicious and fruitful day for Gemini
A brand new day is here, and the stars have a little something for everyone! Whether youre planning a fun date, juggling work challenges, or just craving your favourite food, Ganeshas got some insights to help you make the most of it. Read on to find out what today has in store for your zodiac []
Ganjam launches new skin test to tackle TB cases
Greenfield airport plans for Paradip
University Grants Commission Forms Committee To Probe Death Of Nepali Girl Student In Odisha
Nepal embassy urges Odisha CM for impartial investigation
20-yr-old arrested for raping minor
Four arrested for stealing bikes
Man injured in bear attack in Keonjhar
4 held for murder attempt on friend
Ex-BF held, juvenile detained for killing teen in Ganjam
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.
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Odisha govt. orders probe into Puri Jagannath priests role in West Bengal temple ceremony
The probe will also find out if leftover timber procured for the Nabakalebara rituals at the Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha was used to carve the idols of the sibling deities at a new Jagannath temple complex in Digha, West Bengal
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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 []
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Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, who was the chief priest during the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple at Digha on April 30, on Friday joined the voices demanding withdrawal of the 'Jagannath Dham' phrase attached to the new temple in West Bengal.
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Devotees, priests from Odisha demand removal of Jagannath Dham label from Digha temple
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