NK NEWS ODISHA- News and Current Affairs.

Nayagarh Unites: Hemendra Sena Hosts Mega Blood Donation Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:24:37 +0000

NAYAGARH, SEP 5 (Ramakrishna Rath): Marking the death anniversary of the beloved late Kumar Saheb Hemendra Chandra Singh and coinciding with Teachers' Day, a blood donation camp was organised by ‘Hemendra Sena’ at the Old Palace (Puruna Rajbati) here on Saturday morning.
The camp, which commenced at 9:00 AM, was jointly inaugurated by Rani Maa Pratyusha Rajeshwari Singh, Khandapada MLA and District Planning Board Chairman Dushmanta Swain, Nayagarh Block Chairman Kishore Chandra Sahoo, Rajkumar Aranyaraj Kishore Singh, and Rajkumari Dakshyani Manjari Singh.

The dignitaries paid floral tributes to the statue of late Hemendra Singh situated at the palace. Following the tribute, a memorial meeting was held where the guests addressed the gathering, reflecting on the towering personality and profound contributions of the late leader. The memorial drew a massive crowd, with over 1,000 admirers and well-wishers of late Hemendra Singh in attendance.
During the camp, a total of 41 units of blood were collected by the medical team from the Nayagarh District Headquarters Hospital Blood Bank. As a mark of appreciation, all blood donors were felicitated with certificates for their noble contribution.
The event was successfully coordinated in the presence of Hemendra Sena’s President Dibya Ranjan Sahoo, General Secretary Mallick Mohammed Mubasir, Coordinator Anil Kumar Sahoo, and advisors Nasir Ahmed, Madhab Sahoo, Rajkishore Pusty, and Ranjan Rashmi Jena, alongside other members of the organisation.

In light of the blood scarcity at the Nayagarh District Headquarters Hospital, the organisation issued a public appeal through press releases and social media platforms, urging the residents of Nayagarh to step forward and donate blood to save lives.
Several prominent locals, including Akshay Kumar Nayak, Dillip Pradhan, Ramesh Pradhan, Rabindra Rout, Soumya Ranjan Pradhan, Gopal Mohapatra, Madhab Behera, Harasha Panda, Rajkishore Pradhan, Bapi Palei, Rajanikant Nanda, Balabhadra Patra, and Vishnu Prasad Sahoo, actively participated in the programme.

The organisation concluded the event by extending its heartfelt gratitude to all the blood donors, the medical team, journalists, intellectuals, and the followers of late Hemendra Singh for making the initiative a success.

From Prison to Self-Reliance: Nayagarh Jail Launches Skill Training for Inmates

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:24:16 +0000

NAYAGARH, Sept 5 (Report - Ramakrishna Rath): In a significant step toward the rehabilitation and empowerment of prison inmates, a self-reliance-based skill development training program was inaugurated at the Nayagarh District Jail premises on Saturday morning.

The event was graced by Nayagarh District Collector Madhumita Rath as the Chief Guest, who officially inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Other prominent dignitaries in attendance included Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Smruti Ranjan Samantaray, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Srushti Pradhan, Jail Superintendent Babuli Barik, District Skill Development and Employment Officer Manaswi Sethy, and Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Director Manoj Kumar Sethy.

Addressing the gathering, Collector Madhumita Rath emphasized the core objective of the initiative, shedding light on how the training will help inmates achieve financial independence and self-reliance both during their incarceration and after their eventual reintegration into mainstream society.
During the session, Jail Superintendent Babuli Barik and District Skill Development Officer Manaswi Sethy urged the Collector to facilitate market linkages to ensure the smooth sale of the products manufactured by the inmates once their training is complete.

As part of the initiative, specialized training kits and equipment, provided by Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Nayagarh, were distributed among the beneficiary inmates by the Collector and the ASP. The dignitaries later inspected samples of the goods slated to be produced within the prison facility.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by JSS Director Manoj Kumar Sethy. He expressed his gratitude to the District Skill Development Officer and the Jail Superintendent for successfully organizing the event and conveyed his optimism for the effective implementation of the training programme in the days ahead.

2 Sisters Drown in Nuapada Pond; Cop Uses Police Van Amid Ambulance Delay

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:23:29 +0000

SINAPALI, (Report - Malay Meher): Two minor sisters died by drowning in a village pond at Tileimal under Jharabandh panchayat in Nuapada district on Sunday.

The deceased were identified as Yashoda Hans (8) and Gupteshwari Hans (6), daughters of local resident Nilakantha Hans.
According to reports, the girls left home to bathe in the Darlibandha pond at approximately 11:00 AM. When they did not return, their father searched the area and found their clothes in a bucket on the pond's embankment. He alerted local residents, who subsequently located and recovered the bodies from the water.
Personnel from the Sinapali police station arrived at the location, secured the bodies, and initiated an investigation.
Preliminary inquiries indicate that the pond was recently excavated to a greater depth near the bathing steps during renovation work. Police suspect the girls slipped into the deep water while bathing. Official confirmation regarding the circumstances of the deaths is pending the post-mortem report.
A delay was reported in transporting the bodies to the local health center for the autopsy. Despite requests made to the hospital for a transport vehicle, an ambulance did not arrive at the location.
Due to the delay, Sinapali Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) Maheshwar Panigrahi transported the bodies to the medical facility using a police vehicle.
Local residents acknowledged the officer's intervention but expressed dissatisfaction over the health center's failure to dispatch a transport vehicle on time.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Nayagarh Sex Ratio Crisis: Congress Threatens Lawsuit Against Collector & CDMO

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 11:32:55 +0000

NAYAGARH, September 5, (Ramakrishna Rath): Accusing the district administration of blatant negligence that has allegedly pushed Nayagarh’s child sex ratio into a severe crisis, the District Congress Committee (DCC) on Sunday threatened to file a criminal lawsuit against the District Collector and the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO).

Addressing a press conference, District Congress President and senior advocate Ranjit Dash alleged that an unholy nexus between unscrupulous ultrasound clinic owners, money-minded doctors, and indifferent officials has revived the horrors of illegal sex determination in the district.
Evoking the dark memories of the infamous 2007 Nayagarh female foeticide case—which is still sub-judice in the Women's Court—Dash claimed that the District Appropriate Authority (DAA), comprising the Collector and the CDMO, has completely failed to enforce the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act and the statutory guidelines of the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' (BBBP) scheme.

"We will issue a 15-day statutory notice to the Collector and the CDMO. Following this, a criminal case will be filed against them under Section 28 (B) of the PC-PNDT Act in the court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) for their gross dereliction of duty," Dash announced.

Alarming Drop in Sex Ratio

The Congress leader highlighted that per the 2011 Census, Nayagarh had the lowest child sex ratio in Odisha at 855 girls per 1,000 boys. "Currently, the administration is deliberately withholding official data. However, unconfirmed reports suggest the ratio has plummeted to an alarming 780 girls per 1,000 boys. If true, this is a disastrous situation for Nayagarh," he stated.
Statutory Violations on Paper
The DCC laid out a series of alleged statutory violations by the district health administration:

Fake Inspections: While the law mandates physical verification of all registered genetic, ultrasound, and imaging clinics at least twice a year (every six months), the Congress alleged that these inspections happen only on paper. The party challenged the Collector to release video footage of any recent inspections.
Defunct Committees: Under the operational guidelines, the District Inspection and Monitoring Committee (DIMC) must meet monthly to review inspection schedules, audit rosters, and scrutinize 'Form-F' anomalies by the 5th of every month. The party claims these critical reviews are not being conducted.
Missing Advisory Body: Dash accused the administration of violating Sections 17(5) and 17(6) of the Act by failing to form the mandatory 8-member District Advisory Committee. He demanded the Collector make the names of the committee members public, if it even exists.
Unregistered Counseling Centers: Violating Section 18(1), clinics and hospitals—allegedly including the District Headquarters Hospital—are operating without registered 'Genetic Counseling Centers.'

Medical Malpractice and Overcrowded Clinics

The Congress also exposed an alleged illegal healthcare syndicate operating across the district. According to Dash, radiologists and doctors from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, and Angul are conducting ultrasounds in Nayagarh without the mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from their primary employers.

"A doctor requires at least 15 minutes to properly conduct an ultrasound on a pregnant woman and fill out 'Form-F'. Yet, ultrasound clinics in Nayagarh are clearing 150 to 200 patients within designated hours. How is this mathematically or medically possible without bypassing legal protocols?" Dash questioned.

Furthermore, the party alleged that several government and retired doctors are running illegal private practices from their residences without Clinical Establishment registration, sometimes even during their official duty hours. Despite prior written complaints to the CDMO regarding this, no investigations or actions have been initiated.
The press conference was attended by prominent Block Congress Presidents, including Hasim Khan (Nayagarh), Purnachandra Parida (Odagaon), Bulu Parida (Daspalla), and Ashok Kumar Nayak (Nuagaon).

Nayagarh School Honours Retired Educators on Teachers' Day

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:36:10 +0000

NAYAGARH, SEPT 5 (Sanatan Mahakud): Teachers' Day was celebrated with a unique and traditional touch at the Government Primary School in Kadalibandha, under the Odagaon block, on Thursday. The special commemorative event, presided over by Headmaster Ranjan Kumar Dash, was highlighted by the heartfelt felicitation of the institution's former educators.

Former teacher Gopal Chandra Majhi graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Manojini Senapati attended as the Chief Speaker. During the event, two retired teachers from the school took a trip down memory lane, sharing their rich teaching experiences and life lessons with the young students.
The celebration began on a traditional note. Students paid rich tributes to their teachers and former President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. They worshipped his portrait by offering flowers, sandalwood paste, and incense, alongside lighting ceremonial lamps. Following the tribute, students took turns delivering speeches highlighting the significance of the day and the role of teachers in shaping society.

Addressing the gathering, the esteemed guests reflected on the evolution of the sacred Guru-Shishya (teacher-student) tradition, comparing its historical values with present-day educational dynamics.
In a touching gesture, the school felicitated the guest educators with traditional shawls (upadhaukana), flowers, and pens. The veteran teachers were visibly overwhelmed with emotion, expressing their deep gratitude for being invited back to their former workplace and receiving such profound respect post-retirement.
Teacher Rita Panda successfully coordinated the day's programme and proposed the formal vote of thanks to conclude the ceremony.

Teachers’ Day: President Murmu to Honour 69 Top Educators with National Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:05:26 +0000

NEW DELHI: Marking the occasion of Teachers’ Day, President Droupadi Murmu will confer the prestigious National Teachers’ Awards upon 69 outstanding educators from across the country at a ceremony in the capital today.

In her customary message ahead of the event, President Murmu called upon the teaching community to continuously update their knowledge base, embrace modern technology, and adopt innovative pedagogical methods. Highlighting the vital role educators play in nation-building, she urged teachers to promote independent thinking and cultivate a spirit of scientific inquiry among students.
"Dedicated and caring teachers can recognise the unique potential of students, inspire them, and encourage them to strive for excellence," the President said, expressing her gratitude to educators for their role in nurturing talent and strengthening character. She wished them continued success in shaping an "enlightened generation" capable of taking the nation to greater heights.
The President also paid rich tributes to former President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary, describing the revered philosopher, author, and educationist as an "extraordinary teacher." Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on September 5 to honour Dr. Radhakrishnan's legacy and to recognise the transformative impact teachers have on shaping the foundational fabric of society.
During this morning's ceremony, the President will felicitate 48 school teachers selected from 27 states, seven Union Territories, and six Central Government organisations.
In addition to the school educators, 21 faculty members from higher education institutions and polytechnics will also receive National Awards. This higher-education cohort includes 12 educators from Central Higher Education Institutions, five from state universities (comprising three government and two private colleges), and four from polytechnic institutes.
To highlight the exceptional grassroots contributions of these educators, short documentaries showcasing the exemplary work of each awardee will be screened during the felicitation event.

Nayagada Murder Mystery: 28-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Forest

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 07:11:06 +0000

Nayagada: Police recovered the body of a 28-year-old man in the Nayagada district. They found him inside a cashew forest near the Khatia Bhalia junction. This area falls under the Darpanarayanpur police outpost.

Police identified the man as Manas Behera. He lived in Kodie Kahania village under the Itamati police station.
Officers discovered his body in a hanging position. They also found cut marks on his neck. Police examined the area around the body. Based on the physical evidence, they suspect a planned murder.
Ranpur Police Inspector Ashish Dev Sahu visited the crime scene. Sharanakul Sub-Divisional Police Officer Diptikant Pradhan also reached the location. The police team is currently investigating the case.

Janmashtami 2026 in Odisha: Puri Temple Restricts Darshan

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 06:34:57 +0000

Bhubaneswar: People in Odisha celebrate Janmashtami today. This festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna. Hindus observe this event on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha phase. This occurs in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad. Across the state, people visit temples. They offer prayers and participate in scheduled programs. Priests conduct specific midnight rituals. According to Hindu texts, Lord Krishna represents the eighth form of Lord Vishnu. The texts state he was born at midnight under the Rohini star. Many people fast during the day. They break their fast only after the midnight ceremonies finish.

The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri announced specific rules for visitors today. Temple officials stopped public entry from 7:00 PM until midnight. Priests require this closed period to complete the evening food offerings. The temple calls this specific step the evening Dhupa Bhoga Chheka. Following this step, the priests perform the Shri Krishna Janma ritual. The temple administration restricted public entry to manage these activities properly. They aim to finish the rituals on time. Officials advise all visitors in Puri to note these restricted hours before they travel to the temple.
In Bhubaneswar, the ISKCON temple prepared for a large number of visitors. Workers decorated the temple building with lights and flowers. Organisers set up barriers to control the crowd. The temple management scheduled several programmes for the day. Visitors gather at the location to sing songs and offer prayers. Volunteers guide the public to maintain order inside the complex.

The name Janmashtami comes from two ancient words. "Janma" means birth. "Ashtami" means the eighth day of the lunar cycle. This date remembers the birth of Lord Krishna. Historical texts state that Devaki and Vasudeva gave birth to him in the city of Mathura. Today, Mathura hosts very large gatherings. The nearby city of Vrindavan also holds major events. Krishna spent his early years in Vrindavan. Thousands of people travel to these two cities every year. Across India, citizens follow similar practices. They avoid regular food, sing songs, visit temples, and stay awake until the midnight hour.
The events continue into the next day. Many regions organise the Dahi Handi game. This game connects to stories from Krishna's early life. As a child, Krishna liked to eat butter and curd. Stories say he took these food items from his neighbors. The neighbors started hanging their clay pots high near the ceiling. They wanted to stop him from reaching the food. Today, people recreate these stories through a physical activity. Young participants form a tall human pyramid. The person at the top reaches for a clay pot. The pot hangs high in the air. It contains milk and curd. The person breaks the pot to win the game. This activity attracts large crowds in many Indian cities.

IMD Red Alert: Heavy Rainfall & Severe Storms Warned Across India

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 07:43:41 +0000

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued new weather warnings for many Indian states today. The agency declared a red alert for East Madhya Pradesh. This region expects extremely heavy rainfall today. Forecasters state the heavy rain will continue in this area until Saturday.

Representive image

The weather agency also predicts heavy rain for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Vidarbha, and Uttar Pradesh. These locations will experience heavy rainfall over the next three days.
Many other regions anticipate heavy rain during the next two days. These states and union territories include Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and West Madhya Pradesh. The local governments advise citizens to plan for the wet conditions.
The weather department also released warnings for severe storms. Meteorologists expect thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds to affect several areas today. These regions include Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and Interior Karnataka. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors during these storms.
In Madhya Pradesh, forecasters predict widespread rain across the state. The national radio service reports that many districts will see rain today. The districts of Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar expect significant rainfall. The Bhopal, Gwalior-Chambal, and Narmadapuram divisions will also receive rain.
The weather has already changed local conditions in several districts. In Mandla, continuous rain fell from Tuesday evening until Thursday morning. This rain lowered local temperatures. However, officials warn that river water levels might rise soon due to the extra water.
In Satna, heavy rain flooded streets and caused water buildup in neighborhoods. Local authorities started relief work to assist residents. The administration gave over 1.8 million rupees to help the owners of 434 damaged houses. Rescue workers also distributed 14,700 food packets and 2,368 tarpaulins to the citizens.
Medical teams actively work in the flooded areas. In Chitrakoot, doctors checked the health of more than 2,700 people. Across the district, medical staff examined about 6,125 individuals. The local administration monitors the current situation and provides necessary help to the affected zones.

Massive Fire Breaks Out at Katak Dairy Factory in Odisha

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 07:20:14 +0000

Katak: A fire started at a dairy factory in Odisha on Thursday morning. The factory operates in the Jagatpur Industrial Area. This area is located in the Katak district. Workers saw thick smoke coming from the building. The smoke moved out of the company premises quickly. People nearby saw the smoke and expected a large fire.

A factory worker explained the start of the event. The workers noticed a small amount of smoke at first. They looked at the smoke and guessed its origin. They thought the smoke came from the cold storage section of the factory. The cold storage section keeps the dairy products cold. However, the situation changed after a few minutes. The smoke grew thicker and darker. The workers finally realized a real fire was burning inside the building. They stopped their work immediately. They picked up the phone and called the Fire Services Department for help.
The fire department received the emergency call. They dispatched two fire service teams to the factory right away. The teams arrived at the industrial area quickly. The firefighters stepped out of their vehicles and started their work. They used their equipment to fight the flames. The firefighters worked fast to control the fire. They aimed to stop the fire from reaching other parts of the factory. Local people stood outside and watched the firefighters do their job. The firefighters successfully kept the fire in one specific area and prevented further spread.
Abani Swain works as the Deputy Range Fire Officer in Katak. He gave an official update about the situation. He stated that the firefighters completely stopped the fire. The fire department plans to inspect the whole building now. They want to check the final damage to the factory. Officials do not know the exact cause of the fire yet. They need to investigate the building first. Right now, they suspect an electrical short circuit started the fire. Electrical issues often cause fires in large manufacturing buildings.
The company has not released a report about injuries. Officials still need to confirm if any workers suffered harm during the event. The factory management will calculate the financial loss soon. They will look at the damaged machines and the ruined dairy products. The authorities will release more details later today. Factory owners and local authorities will continue to monitor the site.

Bhitarkanika National Park Kicks Off 3-Day Native Bird Census

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 07:03:50 +0000

Kendrapada: The Forest Department started the annual native bird census in Bhitarkanika National Park on Thursday. The park sits in the Rajnagar Forest Division of the Kendrapara district. The department plans to count the bird population over three days. Officials want to record the exact number of native birds living in the sanctuary.

The department chose specific areas for this counting exercise. These areas include Mathaadia, Durgaprasad Dia, and Lakshmi Prasad Dia. To do this work, the department formed four special teams. Each team contains four to five forest workers. Expert bird scientists, known as ornithologists, lead these teams. The scientists guide the workers to identify the birds correctly.
On Wednesday, senior officials trained the forest workers for the census. Trainers taught the workers how to count the birds accurately. The teams follow a strict daily schedule. They start their work early in the morning at 6:00 AM. They finish the daily counting at 12:00 PM. Forest officials prefer this morning schedule because birds look for food during these hours. The early morning light also helps the workers see the birds clearly.
The census teams focus on counting about ten specific species of native birds. These species include the Asian Openbill, locally called Gendalia. The teams also look for the Little Cormorant, known as Panikua. Additionally, the workers count the Dabentia, Anjana, Khaira, Majhia Baga, and Chhota Baga. The field workers also record the Rani Baga, Kapar Khai, and Andharia Baga. These birds usually gather near the water bodies of the park.
The annual bird census helps the government track the bird population. Officials use this data to understand the health of the local environment. A stable bird population shows that the park provides enough food and safe living spaces. If the workers record lower numbers, the department investigates the reasons and takes corrective actions. The presence of ornithologists ensures that the department collects correct data. The teams use scientific methods to count the birds. They do this work without disturbing the natural habitat.
After three days, the teams will compile all the numbers. The forest department will then release a final report. This report will show the current status of native birds in the Bhitarkanika sanctuary. The government uses these reports to plan future management programs for the forest.

Palasuni Accident: Multiple Vehicles Crushed by Speeding SUV in Bhubaneswar

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 06:52:02 +0000

Bhubaneswar: major road accident occurred in Bhubaneswar early Thursday morning. A driver in a luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) collided with multiple vehicles near the Palasuni area. The incident resulted in injuries to at least four to five individuals. The crash also caused significant damage to three cars and two motorcycles.

Initial reports indicate that the SUV traveled at a very high speed. Witnesses stated the vehicle reached speeds of approximately 150 kilometers per hour. At this speed, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The SUV first struck a Maruti Alto car. Immediately after, it hit a Maruti Swift Dzire car. Finally, the vehicle collided with two motorcycles on the road. The consecutive collisions caused extensive physical damage to all the vehicles involved.
Emergency medical teams transported the injured individuals to the Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar. Doctors provided initial medical care at this facility. One victim required advanced medical attention shortly after admission. Medical staff transferred this patient to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. A relative of this victim confirmed the hospital transfer. The relative explained that his brother sustained injuries when the speeding SUV struck their car.
The Mancheswar Police received information about the crash early in the morning. Police officers arrived at the accident site shortly after the incident. They secured the area and managed the traffic. The accident caused a temporary disruption in vehicle movement. Authorities called tow trucks to the location. The tow trucks removed the damaged cars and motorcycles from the main road. This action helped clear the blocked lanes. Commuters experienced brief delays during this cleanup process.
Officers detained the driver of the SUV at the scene. Authorities suspect that the driver consumed alcohol before operating the vehicle. The police department started a formal investigation into the matter. Investigators will examine the exact circumstances of the crash. They will review available security camera footage from the Palasuni area. Officers will also record statements from the injured victims and eyewitnesses.
Furthermore, the police will conduct a medical test on the driver. This test will confirm the exact level of alcohol in the driver's blood. The Mancheswar Police station registered a formal case against the driver. The charges will likely include reckless driving and causing physical injury. Authorities will submit a detailed accident report to the local court after completing the investigation.
Traffic authorities constantly remind citizens about road safety rules. Driving above the prescribed speed limit is a legal offense. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol poses severe risks to public safety. Local police plan to increase highway patrols during the early morning hours to prevent similar accidents.

Vedanta Expands Free Rural Healthcare in Rayagada & Kalahandi

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:21:04 +0000

Bhubaneswar: 1/ 09: Vedanta Aluminium provides medical services to rural areas in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts. The company operates near the Sijimali and Kodigamali Bauxite Mines. It offers primary care, emergency medical response, and specialist doctor visits. These services help residents who live far from city hospitals.

Between April and July 2026, Vedanta sent Mobile Health Units (MHUs) to several remote villages. The company organised 225 health camps during this time. In Rayagada, the company held 85 camps and treated 2,558 people. In Kalahandi, medical workers ran 140 camps and helped 2,936 residents. In total, these mobile clinics provided medical checks, basic tests, and free medicines to 5,494 patients.
Vedanta also supports Primary Health Centres (PHCs) that operate 24 hours a day. At the Sunger PHC in Rayagada, doctors treated 2,563 patients between May and July 2026. Medical staff at this center managed 60 baby deliveries during these months. The center recorded zero newborn deaths. Doctors also transferred patients with serious conditions to larger regional hospitals.
The company runs ambulance services for medical emergencies. From May to July 2026, drivers completed 95 emergency trips in Kasipur Block, Rayagada. In Thuamul Rampur Block, Kalahandi, ambulances made 51 trips. These vehicles transport pregnant women, accident victims, and other urgent cases to nearby hospitals.
Vedanta arranged special health camps in Kasipur Block and Melghara. At these events, specialist doctors, including pediatricians, examined 358 patients. The company gave free medicines to all patients who attended these camps.

The healthcare team also teaches villagers about disease prevention. Workers ran malaria and dengue awareness campaigns in villages like Sunger, Ladakhaman, Dumerpadar, Mahajal, Taramundi, and Melghara. These sessions taught 220 people how to prevent mosquito-borne diseases and detect symptoms early.
Furthermore, Vedanta organises health programmes for mothers and young children. Staff held breastfeeding awareness sessions at PHC Sunger and Nakrundi for 209 mothers and caregivers. At Nand Ghar in Nakrundi, the team taught 74 mothers from six villages about baby nutrition. Local ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers helped run these sessions.
In total, Vedanta's recent healthcare programmes reached more than 9,300 people across both districts. The company plans to open a new Vedanta Hospital in Rayagada to provide additional medical facilities to the region in the future.

How PM Jan Dhan Yojana Reached 59 Crore Bank Accounts in 12 Years

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:08:21 +0000

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PM-JDY) completed 12 years of operation this month. The Indian government launched the financial inclusion programme in 2014 to provide basic banking services to citizens who did not have bank accounts.

According to government data released on August 19, 2026, the programme has opened 59.09 crore bank accounts since its launch. This is a major increase from the 14.72 crore accounts recorded in 2015.

Growth and Demographics

The data shows that the program primarily serves people outside major cities. Rural and semi-urban areas hold 45.95 crore of the accounts, while urban and metropolitan areas account for 13.14 crore.
Women hold a majority of these accounts, with female beneficiaries owning 32.92 crore accounts.
Total deposits in PM-JDY accounts have also grown. Account holders have deposited ₹3,16,514 crore as of August 2026, compared to ₹15,670 crore in March 2015.

Account Features and Eligibility

Any Indian citizen can open a PM-JDY account. The banks do not charge fees for opening the account, and they do not require account holders to maintain a minimum balance. People can also open joint accounts.
To open an account, citizens must visit a bank branch or an authorised bank agent. They must submit an application form, a passport-size photograph, and valid identification documents. Accepted documents include an Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or standard address proofs like utility bills.

Financial Benefits

The scheme provides several financial tools to account holders:

Debit Cards: Banks issue a free RuPay debit card to account holders. As of August 2026, banks have issued 41.29 crore cards.
Insurance: The RuPay card includes an accident insurance cover. The National Payments Corporation of India pays the premium for this insurance. Accounts opened after August 2018 receive a ₹2 lakh cover, while older accounts receive a ₹1 lakh cover.
Overdraft: After six months of regular account use, one person per household can access an overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000.
Interest and Government Transfers: The accounts earn standard savings interest. Users can also link these accounts to receive Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) and enroll in government pension, insurance, and micro-loan programs.

In 2018, the government updated the program's target. The initial goal was to provide an account to every household. The current goal is to provide a bank account to every unbanked adult in the country. The 12-year data indicates that the PM-JDY continues to integrate more citizens into the formal financial system.

Letter War in Odisha: Why BJD and BJP Are Fighting Over the Mining Act

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:29:55 +0000

Bhubaneswar, 29/08: A political dispute has started between the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. The argument centers on a series of letters exchanged between BJD President Naveen Patnaik and BJP MP Dharmendra Pradhan.

BJD Questions BJP Lawmakers

The issue began when Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik wrote a letter to BJP Members of Parliament (MPs) from Odisha regarding the new law. In response, BJP MP Jual Oram stated that they did not need Patnaik's advice.
BJD spokesperson Dr. Sasmit Patra criticized this remark in a press statement. Patra said the statement shows BJP MPs prioritise their party over the state. He claimed the new mining act benefits mine owners and harms Odisha's financial interests. Patra noted that a 2014 Supreme Court ruling previously allowed Odisha to earn over Rs 1 lakh crore and an additional Rs 25,000 crore annually. He accused the 10 BJP MPs from Odisha of staying silent in Parliament when the bill passed and misleading the public now.

Dharmendra Pradhan Replies to Naveen Patnaik

On August 29, BJP MP Dharmendra Pradhan sent a detailed reply to Naveen Patnaik. Pradhan accused the BJD leader of hiding facts and misguiding the public. He stated that the new act fully protects the state's revenue and economic growth.
Pradhan listed several key facts in his letter to defend the new law:

Revenue Remains Safe: Pradhan stated that Odisha will receive 90 percent of the total mining revenue directly. The state will keep 100 percent of the auction premium, the 15 percent royalty, and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds.
Revenue Growth Under the Central Government: Before 2014, the state collected Rs 5,000 crore a year from mining. Pradhan noted that after the central government introduced reforms and e-auctions in 2015, Odisha's annual mining revenue increased to Rs 50,000 crore.
Limits on High Taxes: Section 9D of the new act restricts multi-level taxes. Pradhan explained that uncontrolled taxes would shut down industries in districts like Keonjhar, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda. He warned this would cause job losses and increase the cost of steel, cement, and electricity for common citizens.
Misuse of DMF Funds: Pradhan cited a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report to accuse the previous BJD government of mismanaging DMF funds. He said the previous government spent Rs 983 crore on 976 unaffected villages, while 584 affected villages received nothing. He also stated that 1,730 projects bypassed the local Gram Sabhas.
Delay in Legal Matters: Pradhan criticized the BJD for its handling of the ORISED Act. After the High Court canceled the act in 2005, the state government fought the case in the Supreme Court for 18 years instead of fixing the errors in the state assembly.

Pradhan ended his letter by defending the BJP MPs. He stated they voted for the bill to protect the jobs and long-term interests of the state's youth. He requested Patnaik to move past party politics and support the new mining law.

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Luha O Koha: Young Poet Disambar Meher Launches Debut Book

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 05:42:07 +0000

Sinapali, August 29 (Report - Malay Meher): Young poet Disambar Meher released his first poetry book recently. The title of the book is 'Luha O Koha'. The author comes from Gandabahali village. This village is located in the Ramgarh area. Ramgarh falls under the Sinapali block of Nuapada district. Readers and writers have praised this new book. They appreciate the clear writing style of the poet. The book launch brought happiness to the local people. The author worked hard to publish his first collection.

The Gangadhar Saraswat Samiti of Sinapali organised a special event for the book release. They hosted a state-level meeting to celebrate Gangadhar Meher Jayanti. The organisers launched the book during this large gathering. Many important guests attended the programme. Khariar Member of Legislative Assembly Adhiraj Mohan Panigrahi joined the event as the chief guest. Nuapada District Collector Madhusudan Das attended the programme as a special guest. Padma Shri award winner Mahendra Kumar Mishra delivered a speech as the chief speaker. They all congratulated the young author.
Vaishampayan Meher led the meeting as the main head. Vaishnav Meher, the president of the Gangadhar Saraswat Samiti, also took part in the event. Senior writer Lalit Kumar Sunari managed the entire book launch programme. He guided the stage activities smoothly from start to finish. Many local citizens and literature lovers gathered at the venue. They watched the book launch with great interest. The guests handed over the first copies of the book to the public. They spoke about the importance of reading books.
The book 'Luha O Koha' contains several poems about human life. It presents the real picture of our society. The author writes about human nature and actual social facts. The poems give direct messages about humanity and general awareness. They also provide educational lessons for young people. Readers say the poems describe real social situations accurately. They notice common daily events in the writings. The poet avoided complex words. He used simple language to explain social matters. This makes the book easy to read for everyone.
This is the first published work by Disambar Meher. Writers and readers sent many good wishes to the young poet after the launch. People from the literary community expressed positive opinions about his work. They expect the book to gain a good place among readers in the coming days. The simple language of the poems will surely attract more people. The poet presented social facts using plain sentence structures. The literature community looks forward to more books from him in the future. The event ended on a positive note.

Real-Life 'Sudama' Draws Massive Crowds at Kendrapada Baladevjew Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:05:21 +0000

Kendrapada, August 28 (Reported by Saroj Pani): A man dressed as the traditional figure Sudama visited Kendrapada today. The Shree Jagannath Charitable Trust organised this special event. The man’s real name is Prafulla Gouda. He comes from the Ganjam district. The trust invited him to celebrate the birthday of Lord Baladevjew. People also know Kendrapara as Tulasi Khetra. Many residents gathered in the town to see him.

Prafulla Gouda follows a specific tradition every year. He participates in the annual Rath Yatra festival. During this time, he walks all the way to Puri. People also call Puri by the name Shreekhetra. He wears the traditional dress of Sudama during his long journey. He also carries roasted broken rice in his hands. Local people call him Sudama because his appearance matches the traditional character.
The Shree Jagannath Charitable Trust works to promote local culture. They invited Gouda to visit Kendrapara to share a message of tradition. The organisers planned a special procession for his visit. The foot march started from the Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple located in Santasahi. It ended at the famous Baladevjew Temple. Many people joined the procession. A musical group also walked with them. The group chanted religious names along the route.

Gouda walked the entire distance on foot. He reached the Baladevjew Temple and visited the main deities. He brought a traditional silk cloth with him. The temple priests offered this cloth to the four main deities inside the temple. A large crowd gathered on both sides of the road to watch the procession. Elderly women performed traditional welcoming rituals for Gouda. Many older citizens also came forward to pay their respects to the cultural display.
Many local leaders and trust members attended the program. Daman Mohanty, the President of the Shree Jagannath Charitable Trust, led the event. Other key members included Mohini Maa, Advisor Nimai Charan Kar, and Spokesperson Pramod Nayak. Cultural Affairs Officer Sanjeeb Tarai helped organise the march. Other active participants included Manoj Rout, Kalandi Mallick, and Padarabinda Das. Gangadhar Samal, Chagala Biswal, and Sunil Das also joined the group. Social worker Akshay Pani and local journalist Prabhat Ranjan Jena attended the event to support the program.

Raksha Bandhan in Nuapada: Students Tie Rakhi to CRPF Soldiers

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:39:32 +0000

Nuapada, August 28 (Reported by Malay Meher): The Students Blood Donors Association of Nuapada organised a community event on August 28. The group hosted a Raksha Bandhan programme for the soldiers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The association held this event at the 19th Battalion CRPF camp in the Pagarapani area.

Soldiers of the CRPF work far away from their homes and families. They perform daily duties to maintain national security. Because of their continuous work schedules, these soldiers often miss local festivals. The Students Blood Donors Association planned this specific event to support the security personnel. The organisers wanted to include the soldiers in the local festival activities.
During the programme, female members of the association visited the military camp. They brought traditional rakhis with them to the venue. The women tied these rakhis on the wrists of the CRPF soldiers. While tying the threads, the women spoke with the soldiers. They wished the security personnel good health and long lives. They also wished the soldiers success in their daily security operations.

The soldiers accepted the rakhis and interacted with the visitors. They thanked the women for their time and effort. This interaction created a positive and friendly environment inside the military base.
Anil Kumar Yedla attended the gathering. He serves as the Deputy Commandant of the 19th Battalion CRPF. He observed the activities and spoke to the group. He encouraged the soldiers to continue their hard work. He also thanked the members of the Students Blood Donors Association. He praised the association for organising a helpful social programme for the active duty forces.
Many key members of the Students Blood Donors Association managed the programme. Harshavardhan Bagh, the founder of the association, led the group. Devadhar Banchhor, the president of the association, also joined the event. Tilak Satnami, the vice president, and Pratibha Patel, the treasurer, participated in the daily activities. Other active members helped coordinate the camp visit. These members included Vinod Pandey, Ishwari Majhi, and Narmada Sahu. Shital Satnami, Gitanjali Tandi, and Basanti Vibhar also came to the camp to support the programme.
The local community respects the soldiers for their dedication to national security. The association members shared the festival activities to show this respect. At the end of the programme, the CRPF officials delivered a final message. They gave formal thanks to the association members. The programme ended in a peaceful and orderly manner.

Caught Red-Handed: Patna Revenue Official Arrested for ₹6,000 Land Bribe

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:46:54 +0000

Patna, Keonjhar 28/08 (Report - Kartik Behera): Vigilance department officers arrested a Junior Revenue Assistant at the Patna Tehsil office for accepting a bribe. The official took the money to process a land record partition.
The accused official is B.H. Umashankar. He initially demanded Rs 10,000 from Jhadeswar Mahanta, a resident of Dalanga village. Mahanta needed official documents to partition his land.

Mahanta reported this demand to the Vigilance department. Vigilance officers verified the complaint. During this time, Umashankar and Mahanta discussed the amount again. The official finally agreed to accept Rs 6,000.
The Vigilance team set a trap to catch the official. They arrested Umashankar exactly when he took the Rs 6,000 from Mahanta at the designated location. Officers seized the cash directly from the scene.
The Vigilance department registered a case against the official and started a formal investigation. Investigators are currently checking if other government employees are involved in this incident.

Odisha Subhadra Yojana Update: 1 Crore Women Receive 5th Installment

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:12:01 +0000

NAYAGARH, 28/08 (Report - Ramakrishna Rath): Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi released the fifth installment of the Subhadra Yojana on August 28. The state government organised a public event at Lathipada in Nayagarh district for this distribution. During the programme, the state government transferred more than 5,163 crore rupees directly into the bank accounts of 1,03,26,162 women beneficiaries.

In Nayagarh district, 2,33,585 eligible women received the financial assistance. The state government distributed 116.80 crore rupees to the beneficiaries in this district alone. The Chief Minister stated that the scheme gives women the power to make their own financial decisions. The state government organised this distribution programme to coincide with the Raksha Bandhan festival.
The Chief Minister presented data from a joint survey conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur and the State Bank of India (SBI). According to this survey report, 80 percent of the beneficiaries use the Subhadra funds for business activities and long-term financial security instead of daily household expenses. The report also highlights that 87.19 percent of the women find the financial assistance highly useful. The scheme has increased the savings and financial capacity of women across the state.

Odisha currently ranks first in the country for creating 27 lakh 'Lakhpati Didis'. The state achieved this target ahead of the scheduled time. The government plans to support more women through the 'Women Entrepreneurship Platform'. This platform will offer business training, market access, and financial guidance to women who want to start their own businesses.

The Chief Minister also announced two major infrastructure projects for the local region. He confirmed that the state government will soon set up the Nayagarh Sugar Mill with support from the central government. Additionally, the government will start the work for the Bruttanga Irrigation Project in the near future.
Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Puri Member of Parliament Dr. Sambit Patra, and Kandhamal Member of Parliament Sukanta Panigrahi attended the event. They addressed the gathering and discussed the economic impacts of the state policies.

During the event, the Chief Minister interacted with successful women entrepreneurs from Ganjam, Subarnapur, Koraput, and Nayagarh. He officially released the Subhadra Annual Report 2025-26, the SBI Survey Report, and the Subhadra Review document. State officials, including Women and Child Development Secretary Dr. Mrinalini Darswal and Nayagarh District Collector Madhumita Rath, managed the proceedings.

PM Modi's Birthday: BJP Launches Month-Long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 02:48:41 +0000

Bhubaneswar, (Report - Lipikarani Raut)
The Odisha state branch of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will organise a month-long campaign called the "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan." The party will launch this campaign on September 17 to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The programme will continue across the state and the country until October 17. The party organises this event to recognise his 25 years of public service and nation-building work.

Campaign Planning and Leadership

To ensure the success of this campaign in Odisha, the party held a state-level workshop at its headquarters on Monday. State BJP President Manmohan Samal chaired the meeting. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, State In-charge Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, and other senior leaders attended the workshop.
The party formed a state-level committee to manage the campaign smoothly. Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra will lead this committee as the Chief Coordinator. Simanchal Khatei and Sukeshi Oram will work as Co-coordinators. Several Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly will also serve as committee members.

Main Objectives

The campaign has clear objectives. The party aims to connect poor citizens, women, youth, and farmers with various government services. The volunteers will also create public awareness regarding cleanliness, health, and environmental protection.

Scheduled Activities

The organisers have planned several events for the month:

September 17: Citizens will light lamps in their homes to support the vision of a developed India by 2047. The party will also organise large blood donation camps at the state, district, and block levels.
Student Competitions: From September 17 to October 7, schools will host drawing, essay, and debate competitions for students. The organizers will give certificates to the winners.
Public Awareness: Volunteers will perform street plays to educate villagers about major public welfare schemes.
Health and Nutrition: Between September 25 and October 7, Anganwadi centers will host special programs. Officials will explain nutrition, health, and women's empowerment programs to mothers and children.
Beneficiary Stories: The party will share the success stories of 2.5 million government scheme beneficiaries.
Digital Outreach: The campaign will involve digital creators and social media influencers to reach a wider audience.
Community Work: Citizens will participate in environmental beautification projects in their local areas.
Youth Events: The organisers will host five regional innovation challenges for young people and startup founders. They will also create large human rangolis to display the goals of a developed nation.

Closing Event

The campaign will end on October 17 with a major gathering. Organisers expect about 125,000 public representatives from all over the country to gather on this day. These representatives will sing the national song 'Vande Mataram' together to set a new world record. Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra invited all citizens to participate in this month-long campaign.

Vedanta Installs 400+ Solar Streetlights in 21 Odisha Villages

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:38:43 +0000

Bhubaneswar, August 25: Vedanta Aluminium announced the installation of 406 solar-powered streetlights across the Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts in Odisha. The company manages this public infrastructure initiative, called Project Jyoti, through its coal mining division. The project delivers renewable energy lighting to 21 villages and currently benefits approximately 22,000 local residents.

The installation covers multiple rural areas and municipalities. These locations include Jamkhani, Girisima, Jharpalam, Hemgir, Bileimunda, Kuraloi, Banjari, and the Belpahar Municipality, among several others. The new streetlights improve visibility in public spaces after sunset. The illuminated roads make travel easier and more practical for daily commuters, senior citizens, and women. Residents can now reach essential services during evening hours without facing dark roads.
Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines actively maintains the new infrastructure. The company established a formal monitoring system to keep the lights functional over time. Maintenance teams inspect the solar streetlights every three months. During these regular visits, technicians clean dust from the solar panels. They also examine the battery health and check all electrical wiring. Furthermore, the workers test the physical structure of each pole. This preventive maintenance ensures the streetlights operate reliably during different weather conditions throughout the year.
Amares Kumar, the Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, commented on the project. He stated that access to reliable lighting creates safer and more connected communities. He explained that the company uses clean solar energy to improve mobility and support everyday activities for local residents. Villagers also acknowledge the practical benefits. Uttar Naik, a resident of Bileimunda village, noted that the streetlights changed the village significantly. Naik stated that people now move around comfortably in the evenings because public areas are highly visible.
Project Jyoti directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The project targets specific goals like Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Good Health, and Climate Action. This lighting initiative is one part of a broader community development strategy by Vedanta Aluminium. The company currently runs social programs that assist more than 200,000 people across 26 villages. These additional programs focus on improving local education, healthcare, and economic development to support regional growth.

Cargo Ship Sinks Off Odisha Coast: 24 Crew Members Missing

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:54:47 +0000

Bhubaneswar: Panama-flagged cargo ship sank in the ocean. The incident happened about 240 nautical miles off the coast of Odisha. The vessel traveled toward Singapore. The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy started a search and rescue operation. They aim to find the 24 crew members.

Victory Star Group Co Ltd operates the ship. The ship bears the name MV Ocean-Winner. The vessel left Paradip Port in Odisha on August 20. It began its journey at around 10:30 pm. Workers loaded 1,700 tonnes of iron ore onto the ship. The ship transported this heavy cargo to Singapore. The ship tracking platform MarineTraffic confirmed this route.
The ship carried a crew of 24 people. The crew came from three different countries. Twenty sailors are from China. Three sailors are from Myanmar. One sailor is from Bangladesh.
The operating company lost contact with the vessel on August 22. They noticed the communication failure at 11:48 am. Victory Star Group Co Ltd immediately contacted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Sri Vijaya Puram. The company reported the issue. They also requested urgent search and rescue assistance.
Indian authorities responded to the alert right away. The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy launched a joint mission. The Coast Guard deployed three specific ships for this effort. They sent the ship Varad and the ship Anmol to the search area. They also deployed a third vessel named Vijit from Sri Vijaya Puram. These ships actively search the water.
Authorities also contacted other commercial ships in the region. They sent alerts to vessels sailing near the incident area. They asked these ships to help with the rescue efforts. A senior IPS officer spoke to the news agency PTI. The officer provided a brief update. The officer stated that officials do not yet know the exact number of rescued crew members.
Rescue teams continue their work at sea. The long distance from the coast requires significant effort. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard remain on the scene. They use their equipment to scan the ocean. Officials will share more details when they receive new information from the search teams.

IMD Alert: Fresh Rains Threaten Flood-Hit Odisha

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:41:00 +0000

Bhubaneswar: Odisha prepares for another period of rain. A new weather system is forming over the Bay of Bengal. This weather system will bring widespread rain to the state. The new rain arrives while many areas still hold floodwaters from previous storms.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) monitors the weather across the country. The IMD center in Bhubaneswar released a new weather forecast today. Officials predict light to moderate rain across many districts in Odisha. They also expect thunderstorms in several locations. This wet weather will continue throughout the entire week.
The weather agency issued specific alerts for different districts. They issued a Yellow Warning for today. This warning indicates heavy rain for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur districts. The IMD also issued an Orange Warning. This warning applies specifically to Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj for August 24 and August 25. An Orange Warning means officials expect very heavy rainfall in those locations.
The state currently manages major floods. The overall water situation shows small improvements today. However, northern Odisha still handles serious water problems. The floods currently affect seven different districts. Official reports state that the floods impact more than 13.44 lakh people across the region.
Government teams took quick action to move people away from danger. Rescue workers evacuated nearly 4.87 lakh residents. They moved these residents from their flooded homes to safe government shelters. Balasore is one of the heavily affected districts. In Balasore, the water levels in the rivers are finally going down. Despite this drop in water levels, many villages still have water on the ground.
Government workers and rescue teams remain very active in these areas. They conduct daily rescue operations. They distribute food, clean drinking water, and relief supplies to the people. Medical teams visit the shelters to provide basic healthcare. This action helps stop the spread of diseases. Emergency workers keep their boats and rescue equipment ready for immediate use.
Teams also work on restoration efforts. They fix damaged roads and restore essential services. Local authorities ask residents to remain alert. They advise people to follow safety updates. The state government continues to watch the weather changes closely and plans further actions.

Odisha Parab 2026 Brings Rich Traditions to Varanasi

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 18:20:34 +0000

Varanasi: Officials inaugurated the Odisha Parab 2026 festival in Varanasi today. Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida attended the opening event. She addressed the attendees during the ceremony. She highlighted the official launch of the festival. She noted the joint efforts of the organizers. The event brings the customs of Odisha to the city of Varanasi.

During her speech, Parida spoke about the connection between two major cities. She compared Kashi, another name for Varanasi, to Puri in Odisha. Both cities serve as major centers for society in India. She stated that this festival connects different parts of India on a single platform. This event supports the national idea that a united India is the best India.

The Deputy Chief Minister also mentioned the role of the national leadership. She pointed out that Varanasi is the parliamentary region of the Prime Minister. She explained that visitors can see the ongoing development in Varanasi. According to Parida, this local growth aligns with broader national goals. She connected the progress in Varanasi to the plans for a developed Odisha and a fully developed India.

The government officials expect this event to create new economic opportunities. Parida shared her certainty regarding the future of the tourism sector. She stated that this collaboration between the two regions will help Odisha. The festival will attract more visitors to the state. Increased tourism will support the local economy and create business opportunities.

Organisers opened several craft and exhibition stalls at the venue. These stalls display the historical practices of Odisha. Visitors can view traditional artwork from different districts. The exhibition also offers local food items from the state. The stalls allow people in Varanasi to learn directly about the daily life and history in Odisha.

Several other top officials attended the opening ceremony. KV Singh Deo, another Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, participated in the event. Balwant Singh, the Commissioner and Secretary for Tourism, also joined the inauguration. Deepankar Mohapatra, the Director of Tourism, attended alongside them. These leaders observed the exhibits and supported the inter-state program. Their presence showed the commitment of the state government to this initiative.

The Odisha Parab 2026 will continue to host visitors in Varanasi. The state government plans to organize similar events in the future. These programs help different Indian states share their specific customs. Officials aim to increase trade and travel between Uttar Pradesh and Odisha through these platforms. The festival provides a practical way to build connections between citizens of different regions.