NK NEWS ODISHA- News and Current Affairs.

Nimapada Flood Preparation: Deputy CM Orders 24/7 Helpline

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:23:14 +0000

Nimapada, July 30 (Report- Ajay Mallick): Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida chaired a vital preparation meeting on Thursday evening. The meeting took place at the Nimapada Block Conference Hall. Officials discussed plans to manage potential floods in the region. The local administration wants to stay fully prepared for the upcoming monsoon challenges.

Many key government officials attended the meeting. Sub-Collector Raj Kishore Jena and Block Development Officer Dr. Abhijit Sarangi took part in the discussion. Tahasildar Dr. Manoj Kumar Pradhan and Sub-Divisional Police Officer Janardan Padhi also joined the session. Additionally, Notified Area Council Executive Officer Chinmaya Kumar Das was present to share his inputs.
Representatives from various essential departments joined the gathering. Officials from the Irrigation Department and the Drinking Water Department attended the session. Staff from the Health Department and the Electricity Department also participated. Members of the Animal Husbandry Department and the Fire Department showed their presence. The government expects all these departments to work together during emergencies.
Deputy Chief Minister Parida gave clear instructions to all departmental officers. She directed them to stay at their respective headquarters. She told them not to leave their posts during this critical time. The officials must remain fully ready to tackle any flood-related issues. The state government wants a quick response to help the local citizens.
The meeting specifically focused on the Dhanua river area. Floodwaters in the Dhanua river create a high risk for the surrounding regions. Officials identified about ten nearby panchayats that face a direct threat. Rising water levels can easily affect these specific villages. The Deputy Chief Minister asked the Panchayat Executive Officers of these areas to stay alert and remain present in their respective panchayats.
The Deputy Chief Minister ordered the officers to plan for safe evacuations. They must move the affected people to safe shelters immediately if water enters the villages. She also instructed them to store plenty of dry food. Officials must keep these food supplies ready for immediate distribution to the displaced residents.
Finally, the administration will open a 24-hour helpline center at the block office. This center will assist people around the clock. Deputy Chief Minister Parida advised the Block Development Officer and the Tahasildar to manage this helpline effectively. She also told them to stock enough polythene sheets for the public. People will need these sheets for temporary shelter protection. The local departments are now actively executing these preparation steps.

Cuttack Flood Alert: 123 Shelters Activated, NDRF Deployed

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:35:28 +0000

Cuttack: (Report- Rupashree Swetapadma Mohanty): The Cuttack district administration is preparing for major floods. Water levels in the Mahanadi river are rising fast. Right now, nearly 900,000 cusecs of water flow through the Mundali barrage. Officials expect this number to reach 1,000,000 cusecs very soon. This high volume of water creates a serious risk of flooding in low areas.

To manage this situation, Collector and District Magistrate Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde held a planning meeting today. He ordered all government departments to prevent any deaths and keep property damage to a minimum. He directed officials to identify unsafe areas and make local safety plans using past flood records.
The government plans to move 3,600 people to safe locations. Workers will evacuate 1,500 people from the Athagarh area, 1,000 people from the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) limits, 600 people from Banki, and 500 people from Cuttack Sadar. Rescue teams will move pregnant women, children, older adults, and people with disabilities first.
Officials have opened 123 flood shelters. They set up 94 shelters inside the city and 29 in nearby towns. The administration also sent 25 emergency boats to these locations. Ground workers must provide dry food, clean drinking water, and backup electricity to all shelters.
Rescue teams are ready for action. The government placed one National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team inside the city. Three Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams will work in Athagarh, Banki, and Cuttack Sadar. Police vans are watching the river barrages, and 300 local volunteers stand ready to help. Inside Cuttack, workers placed 300 large water pumps to clear flooded streets. They also watch the sluice gates closely to stop river water from entering the city.
The health department is also ready. The Chief District Medical Officer sent snake anti-venom to all local health centers. All doctors and medical workers must return to work within 48 hours to provide 24-hour medical care.
Finally, the government announced strict safety rules. People cannot bathe, swim, ride boats, or take photographs near the riverbanks. The administration stopped all public events at the Bali Jatra ground. Temples near the river will remain closed. Police will take legal action against anyone who breaks these rules. The Collector stated that government departments will work together to manage the flood safely.

Odisha Weather Update: Sinapalli Records Highest Rainfall at 164mm

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:19:04 +0000

Nuapada, July 30, 2026 (Report - Malaya Meher): A low-pressure weather system brought heavy and continuous rain to Western Odisha. The rain affected many districts and disrupted daily activities on July 30, 2026.
During the past 24 hours, ending at 8:30 AM today, the Sinapalli station in Nuapada district recorded the highest rainfall in the state. Sinapalli received exactly 164.0 millimeters of rain.
Many other stations also recorded high rainfall amounts. The weather department provided a detailed list in the document "750704.jpg". In Baragarh district, Paikmal recorded 157.5 mm of rain. Nuapada district saw heavy rain in several stations. Khariar received 155.0 mm, Boden got 152.0 mm, Komna recorded 119.3 mm, and Nawapara saw 115.0 mm.

Nawarangpur district also experienced intense rain. Jharigaon recorded 135.0 mm. Umerkote received 125.0 mm, and Dabugaon got 115.2 mm. Other stations in Nawarangpur like Koshagumuda saw 85.6 mm, Papadahandi got 76.0 mm, Chandahandi recorded 72.6 mm, and Raighar received 72.0 mm.
In Kalahandi district, Golamunda recorded 134.0 mm of rain. Koksara saw 78.0 mm, Kalampur received 72.0 mm, and Dharmgarah got 71.8 mm. Jaipatna recorded 69.0 mm, Junagarh got 66.6 mm, and Th. Rampur received 65.2 mm. Koraput district also saw significant rain. Borigumma recorded 111.6 mm, and Kotpad received 90.0 mm. In Baragarh, Padampur recorded 103.0 mm, and Jharbandh got 72.0 mm. Bolangir district saw 97.0 mm in Bangamunda and 72.0 mm in Khaparakhol. Malkangiri station in Malkangiri district recorded 75.8 mm.

The continuous rain disrupted normal life across Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nawarangpur, Baragarh, Koraput, and Bolangir districts. Water levels in local rivers and streams increased significantly. The heavy water flow caused waterlogging in low-lying areas. Many roads went under water. This situation affected transportation and daily travel for local people. The high rainfall in places like Golamunda raised concerns about excess water accumulation.
The local administration took immediate action. Officials advised people living near rivers and waterlogged areas to stay alert. The government kept rescue and relief teams ready to help the public. Disaster management teams remain prepared for any situation. The weather department expects the rain to continue in some areas for a few more hours. They requested citizens to avoid unnecessary travel. Authorities asked everyone to stay safe and remain careful during this time.

BJD Protest in Nayagarh: Minister's Resignation Demanded Over 3,000 Textbook Errors

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:00:04 +0000

Nayagarh, July 30 (Report- Ramakrishna Rath): The youth wing, student wing, and parents associated with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) organised a large protest in Nayagarh today. Thousands of students and citizens joined the rally. They gathered in front of the District Collector's office. The protesters demanded the immediate resignation of the State School and Mass Education Minister. The party organised this protest because authorities found severe errors in the newly distributed school textbooks.

Before the main march, the political leaders held a public meeting at the Pathani Samanta Auditorium in Durgamandap. Nayagarh Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo led this meeting. Dr. Sahoo criticized the state government for its poor management of the education system. State Student BJD President Ipsita Sahoo also attended the gathering. She stated that the government shows extreme incompetence by printing over 3,000 mistakes in children's school textbooks. She mentioned that the previous government provided better administration, while the current government fails to deliver on its administrative promises.
Nayagarh District BJD President and Daspalla MLA Ramesh Chandra Behera addressed the crowd. He asked all parents to question the state government regarding this academic negligence. He clarified that printing incorrect information in textbooks is a major issue for the future of the students. He announced that the political party will continue the protest until the mass education minister resigns. Senior leader Irani Ray also spoke against the ruling government policies.

Zilla Parishad Chairman Er. Debashish Patnaik stated that the government treats young students unfairly. He compared the textbook situation to recent national exam leaks and repeated the demand for the state minister's resignation. Former Ranpur MLA Satyanarayan Pradhan criticized the administrative policies of the current state government. Bhapur Block Vice Chairman Benudhar Pradhan accused the government of ignoring the daily needs of common people. He stated that the administration does not provide timely pensions to the elderly and fails to supply fertilizers to local farmers.

Many local leaders participated in the event, including Gangadhar Panda, Biraja Laxmi Sahoo, Nirupama Khatei, Guruprasad Jena, and Lokanath Sahoo. After the speeches, more than 5,000 women, students, parents, and party workers started a massive rally. They marched from the auditorium through the Old State Bank Road. They finally reached the District Collector's office and demonstrated outside the building. Finally, a delegation of youth and student representatives submitted a formal memorandum to Sub-Collector Karandev Samaddar to register their official demands.

Surat Accident: Ganjam Migrant Worker Dies in Workplace Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:24:31 +0000

POLASARA, JULY 30 (Report- Jayakrishna Patnaik): A migrant worker from Ganjam district died in a workplace accident in Surat. The worker, identified as Muna Gouda, lived in Jakar village within the Polasara block.
Gouda worked as a laborer for a private company in Surat. Reports state that he fell from a height during his work shift. He sustained severe injuries from the fall. He received medical treatment at a local hospital but died shortly after. Authorities informed his family about his death.

Gouda earned the only income for his household. His elderly parents and two sisters relied entirely on his wages to manage their daily expenses.
Following the incident, former Polasara MLA and minister Srikant Sahu visited Gouda's family. He demanded financial compensation and official government assistance for the deceased worker's relatives.
This event highlights the workplace safety conditions of migrant laborers. It also indicates a need to create more local employment opportunities within the state.

Severe Floods Hit Kendrapara: Villages Stranded in Chest-Deep Water

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:48:03 +0000

KENDRAPADA, July 30 (Saroj Pani): Floodwaters entered most blocks in the Kendrapara district today. Water levels rose in the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Budhabalanga rivers early this morning.

The river water flowed into several areas. These areas include Pattamundai, Rajnagar, Garadpur, Aul, and Rajkanika. The floods stranded many residents in their homes.
The water blocked roads and stopped transportation completely. Villagers face major difficulties traveling outside their communities.

In the Bachhara panchayat of the Pattamundai block, water covered multiple villages. Chest-deep water blocks the main road in this area. This prevents residents from reaching hospitals and markets for essential work.
Locals state that government help has not arrived yet. Meanwhile, farmers moved their cattle to higher ground to keep them safe.

Indian Men Advance to Junior Squash Semifinals

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:08:46 +0000

News Delhi: The Indian men's squash team reached the semifinals of the World Squash Junior Team Championships. The tournament takes place in Ontario, Canada. The Indian team holds the fifth seed in this event. They played against the third-seeded team from England in the quarterfinals. The Indian players defeated the English players with a final score of 2-1. This victory secured their spot in the next round of the competition.

Men's Quarterfinal Match Details

The quarterfinal matchup between India and England featured three individual games. Aryaveer Dewan played the first match for India. He won his match and gave India an early lead. Yusha Nafees played the second match for India. He played against Ismail Khalil from England. Ismail Khalil won this match after five games. This result tied the overall score at 1-1. Gurveer Singh played the final match for India. He competed against George Griffiths. Gurveer Singh won this match in straight games. His win finalized the 2-1 victory for the Indian men's team.

Upcoming Semifinal Match

The Indian men's team prepares for their next match in the tournament. They will play against the team from the United States in the semifinals. The United States team also advanced from their quarterfinal match. They played against the eighth-seeded team from Japan. The United States players defeated the Japanese players to secure their semifinal spot. The Indian team wants to win this upcoming match to reach the final round. They finished the tournament with a bronze medal last year. They aim to improve their overall result this year.

Women's Team Quarterfinal Results

The Indian women's squash team also competed in the quarterfinals of the tournament. They played against the third-seeded team from the United States. The United States team defeated the Indian women's team with a final score of 2-1. Anahat Singh played the first match for India. She defeated Diya Yadav in straight games and gave India the initial lead. Charlotte Sze played for the United States in the second match. She defeated Rudra Singh and tied the score. Lily Bourell played the deciding match for the United States. She defeated Anika Dubey and secured the win for the United States team.

French Men's Team Reaches Milestone

The tournament also featured matches from other countries. The men's team from France achieved a significant result. They played against the sixth-seeded team from Malaysia in their quarterfinal match. The French players defeated the Malaysian players with a score of 2-0. This victory moved the French team into the semifinals. The French men's team reached this stage of the tournament for the first time in 26 years. They last played in the semifinals during the year 2000.

Summary of Quarterfinal Results

Event Draw	Advancing Team	Defeated Opponent	Quarterfinal Score
Men's	India	England	2-1
Men's	United States	Japan	Not specified
Men's	France	Malaysia	2-0
Women's	United States	India	2-1

Odisha Declares High Alert for Floods and Heavy Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:45:50 +0000

Bhubaneswar: The state of Odisha currently faces a serious weather threat. Rivers across the region hold high volumes of water. These high water levels create a direct risk of floods for many areas. At the same time, the India Meteorological Department forecasts more storms. The weather experts expect heavy rain to very heavy rain to fall across the state soon.

AI IMAGE

The government expects the Mahanadi River to experience a medium flood. Officials watch this river and its water levels closely. They also monitor several other river basins across the state to track potential dangers. The local administration takes action to prepare the region. Workers manage relief supplies and plan for medical emergencies. Currently, Bhadrak district faces the worst problems from the rising flood waters.
The India Meteorological Department released specific weather warnings for the public. The agency issued an Orange warning for four districts. These districts include Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Koraput. An Orange warning means the weather department expects heavy to very heavy rainfall in these locations today. The department also issued a Yellow warning for eighteen other districts in the state. The weather experts advise the public in these eighteen districts to prepare for poor weather conditions.
The state government took extra steps to protect the public. Government officials closed schools and colleges in three districts. These specific districts are Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Bhadrak. The government closed these educational institutions as a strict safety measure. Furthermore, the state government canceled the approved time off for government officers in eight different districts. These officers must report to work immediately. The government needs all available staff to manage the disaster response without any delays.
Government authorities manage the current situation closely. They state that they have the overall flood situation under control at this time. The administration gave clear instructions to people who live in low areas. Officials told these residents to move to official relief centers. They also asked the residents to stay inside these secure buildings. The government wants the citizens to remain in these safe locations until the weather improves and the flood waters go down. The local administration provides basic needs in these designated public shelters.

Break Time Odisha E-Paper: 30 July 2026 | Today's Top Odia News

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 08:09:43 +0000

Read the complete daily edition of Break Time Odisha for Thursday, 30 July 2026. Stay updated with the most accurate Odia news, covering crucial state updates and in-depth local reports from Nayagarh and surrounding districts.

Today's Top Headlines

Odisha Flood Situation: Severe waterlogging has affected over 3.8 lakh people across the state, with 4 reported casualties. An Orange warning has been issued for 4 districts, alongside a moderate flood alert for the Mahanadi river.
National Politics: The 'Vande Mataram' bill successfully passed in the Rajya Sabha, securing statutory protection. Meanwhile, the Exam Amendment Bill sparked a heavy uproar in the Lok Sabha.
Nayagarh Updates: The District Collector led a Health Review meeting focusing heavily on Maternal-Child Health and upcoming critical vaccination drives.
Regional Events: Comprehensive coverage of Guru Purnima celebrations in Buguda and Kendrapada, alongside a tree plantation drive by the Bharat Vikas Parishad.

Read the full e-paper directly in the viewer below!

Download Today's e-Paper

Odisha Govt Allocates ₹2,496 Cr to Empower Agri-Entrepreneurs

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:36:56 +0000

Bhubaneswar: The Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL) recently organized the State Level Bankers' Meeting 2026. APICOL operates under the Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment Department of the Odisha State Government. The organisation held this important financial event at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo attended the event as the chief guest. He also serves as the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment and the Minister of Energy. Many other senior government officials participated in this state-level meeting. Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Agriculture Department, joined the discussions. Shubham Saxena, the Director of Agriculture, and Kalunge Gorakh Waman, the Director of Horticulture, also took part in the event. Shubhranshu Mishra, the Managing Director of APICOL, guided the proceedings.

Representatives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) attended the meeting. Lead District Managers (LDMs) from all districts and officials from various commercial banks also joined the session.
Deputy Chief Minister Singh Deo addressed the gathering during the meeting. He stated that the state government wants to make agriculture a profitable business for farmers. He asked all banks to provide timely loans to new agricultural entrepreneurs. He explained that banks play a major role in developing the farming sector. The Deputy Chief Minister praised APICOL for its consistent work. APICOL supports young people, women entrepreneurs, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) through the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana.

To support this mission, the government announced a massive financial plan. The state has allocated ₹2,496.40 crore to APICOL for the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana. The government will spend this money over the next five years to promote agri-business across Odisha.
The officials discussed several key topics during the meeting. They talked about ways to provide easy and quick loans to agricultural business owners. They also discussed methods to build better coordination between banks and government agencies. The leaders focused on bringing more rural youth and women into the agricultural business sector. During the event, the government honored several banks and bank officials for their excellent public service.
The meeting showed a strong partnership among all financial and administrative groups. The state government, banks, NABARD, RBI, and local agencies agreed to work together. They will continue to provide better credit facilities to people in the agriculture business. All the participating organisations promised to improve the agricultural sector in the state.

UG Admission 3rd Merit List Out: Check Cut-Off Marks and Deadline

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:20:05 +0000

Bhubaneswar: The Higher Education Department has officially published the third merit list for undergraduate degree courses today. Officials announced this update for the 2026-27 academic year. Students can now check their selection status for different colleges and universities. The department instructs all selected candidates to complete their final admission process by August 1.

The state offers a total of 2,87,519 seats for undergraduate courses this academic year. During the first phase of the admission cycle, exactly 2,37,200 students submitted their applications. The admission process is moving forward in stages. After the department published the first merit list, 88,480 students took admission. Following the second merit list, another 30,150 students completed their enrollment. So far, a total of 1,18,630 students have successfully secured their college seats.
The new third merit list selects a total of 53,656 students for admission. The department also provided a gender breakdown of these selected candidates. The list includes 31,773 female students, 21,879 male students, and 4 transgender students.
The department also shared the highest cut-off marks for various educational streams. In the Arts stream, Ravenshaw University recorded the highest cut-off. Students need 94.80 percent for the English subject at this university. In the Physical Science stream, Ravenshaw University again holds the highest requirement, demanding 95.67 percent for the Physics subject. For Biological Sciences, Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar (BJB) Autonomous College set the highest cut-off at 93.50 percent for Zoology.
Other streams also show clear cut-off requirements. Ravenshaw University recorded a 91.83 percent cut-off for the Commerce stream. In the Shastri stream, the Sanskrit (Degree) College in Barakia set a cut-off of 58.29 percent. For self-financing courses, the Computer Science program at BJB Autonomous College requires exactly 92 percent. Finally, Madhusudan Law University set an 86.50 percent cut-off for the five-year integrated BA LLB course.
The Higher Education Department advises all newly selected students to finish their admission paperwork and fee payments on time. Students must meet the August 1 deadline to keep their seats.

Governor Inspects Tech Labs & Custom EVs at Centurion University

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:02:35 +0000

Bhubaneswar: Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati visited Centurion University today. He came to observe the progress of the institution. He checked different areas like academic programs, new innovations, skill development courses, and research projects. The First Lady of the state, Dr. Jayashree Kambhampati, also joined him during this official tour. They spent time looking at the modern facilities on the campus. The visit highlighted the importance of practical education and scientific research in the current education system.

During his campus tour, the Governor officially opened the Traditional and Technology Interface Learning Lab. This new laboratory helps students combine old knowledge systems with modern technology. After opening the lab, he viewed new wall paintings. These large murals display scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The Governor met the artists who painted these murals. He talked to them about their work and their artistic methods. This activity showed the university's focus on both cultural heritage and modern education.

Next, the Governor visited several advanced research centers on the campus. He went to the bio-enzyme and bio-char production unit. Researchers at this unit work on organic materials to help farmers and protect the environment. He also visited the wild orchid laboratory and the plant tissue culture facility. These laboratories help scientists grow healthy plants and save rare plant species. The Governor asked questions about the research methods. He observed how the students use these centers to learn practical science skills.

The university also focuses on future technologies. The Governor toured the Industry 5.0 facility. The university calls this the Center for Creativity, Curiosity, and Competency Lab. This center trains students to use the latest industrial machines and software. The university aims to prepare students for jobs in the modern manufacturing sector. Through this lab, students learn how to solve real technical problems.

Finally, the Governor inspected special electric vehicles at the university. The engineering teams designed these customized electric vehicles for specific uses. They built them for the defense sector and other public sector departments. The Governor examined the design and the engine systems of these vehicles. This project shows how the university supports clean energy and national security. Overall, the Governor reviewed many projects. His visit demonstrated the university's continuous work to provide quality education and practical research for the public good.

Odisha Floods: 4 Dead, 3.8 Lakh Affected Amid Fresh IMD Rain Warnings

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:16:24 +0000

Bhubaneswar: Heavy rains have caused floods in the state of Odisha. The floodwaters caused the deaths of four people. The disaster also affected nearly 380,000 people across the region. Local government officials reported these numbers recently. The water has reached 304 Gram Panchayats, which are local village councils. Many people have had to leave their homes because the water levels keep rising.

The Baitarani river basin is facing the most problems right now. The water from the river has entered many villages and towns. Roads and bridges are under water. This blocks transport and makes travel difficult. People cannot go to work or buy daily supplies. Government teams are currently working in these areas. They are using boats to move people to safe places. The teams also provide food, clean drinking water, and basic medicines to the people who need them.
A new problem will start tomorrow. Officials expect a medium-level flood in the Mahanadi river. Heavy rain recently fell in the upper catchment area of the river. The water from this rain is now flowing down towards Odisha. The Mahanadi river is already flowing above the danger mark in the town of Boudh. The local administration is monitoring the river levels closely. They have asked people living near the river banks to move to higher ground. The government has prepared flood shelters to house these displaced families.
The weather conditions will likely get worse. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Warning for four districts. These districts are Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Koraput. An Orange Warning means that the authorities and the public must be ready for heavy to very heavy rainfall. Rain in these four districts will put more pressure on the river systems. The state government instructed district officials to stay on high alert. Emergency response teams are ready to deploy if the situation requires more help.
The state of Odisha regularly faces floods during the monsoon season. The current situation requires continuous work from rescue teams. The government aims to protect all citizens and prevent any more deaths. Officials will provide more updates as they receive new information from the affected districts.

India vs Sri Lanka: Full 15-Player Test Squad Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:36:13 +0000

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released the official roster yesterday. India will send a fifteen-player team to play a two-match Test cricket series against Sri Lanka. The cricket boards scheduled the series to start next month.

These matches belong to the current International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship cycle. India will wear their traditional white Test match jerseys for the first time since late last year. Last year, the Indian team lost a home series to South Africa by a score of two to zero. The team wants to secure match victories in Sri Lanka to improve their recent record.

Team Leadership and New Additions

The selection committee appointed Shubman Gill to lead the team as the captain. KL Rahul will support him in the leadership role as the vice-captain. The selectors also made important changes to the player list.

Saransh Jain: The selectors gave a first-time call-up to Jain. He bowls right-arm off-spin and plays as an all-rounder.
Ravindra Jadeja: The team welcomes back Jadeja. He brings years of match experience as an all-rounder.
Manav Suthar: Suthar keeps his spot on the team for this upcoming series. Suthar played his first Test match for India against Afghanistan in June. He won the Player of the Match award in that specific game.

Player Fitness and Availability

A few players face fitness checks before the series begins. Medical staff must examine Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah. Both players need medical clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence. They will join the active roster only if they pass these medical tests. Furthermore, Washington Sundar cannot play in the first Test match. He remains unavailable for selection right now.

Match Schedule and Championship Standings

The cricket boards finalized the specific dates and locations for the two games.

First Test on August 15 at Galle
Second Test on August 23 at Colombo

This series holds great importance for the ICC World Test Championship points table. Currently, Australia controls the first-place spot. New Zealand sits in the second-place position. India holds the fifth-place position in the standings. Sri Lanka stays right behind them in the sixth-place spot. Both teams need to win these upcoming matches to earn points and move higher in the global championship rankings.

Odisha Flood Alert: Moderate Flooding Expected in Mahanadi River

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:30:36 +0000

Bhuneswar: The Water Resources Department in Odisha expects a moderate flood in the Mahanadi river system. Officials state that this flood will likely happen by Friday. Authorities put several districts on alert. They warn the public about small to medium floods in the lower parts of the Mahanadi river. They also expect extra water in the Daya river. Heavy water flows continue to come from the upstream areas.

Dillip Kumar Rout serves as the Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department. He spoke to reporters in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. He gave clear updates on the current water levels. The water level at the Hirakud reservoir currently stands at 616 feet. Heavy rain continues to fall in the Tel river basin. Rain also falls heavily in nearby areas like Balangir, Khairamal, and Bargarh.
Because of this rain, a large volume of water will flow into the Mundali area. Officials expect 7.5 lakh to 9 lakh cusecs of water to reach Mundali. This heavy water flow will arrive by Thursday evening.
The extra water will move downstream. Rout stated that this water will cause new floods. These floods will hit the lower sections of the Mahanadi and Daya rivers on Friday. The river water will move into low-lying lands. It will enter areas like Nimapada, Kanas, Gop, and Astaranga. Local authorities remain on full alert. They watch these specific areas very closely to manage the situation.
Rout also provided details about other rivers in the state. Flood conditions remain active in the Baitarani river basin. The river water currently affects several towns. It affects Dasrathpur in the Jajpur district. It also affects the Dhamnagar and Chandbali areas. However, Rout shared better news about the Salandi river. Less water flows into the Salandi river today. The flood situation in the Bhadrak district will improve. Officials expect this improvement by Thursday.
The Engineer-in-Chief reported some minor structural damage. A small breach happened near the Anandpur area. Workers will repair this breach. They will start the repair work after the floodwater recedes. Workers found another small breach in the Jajpur district. Restoration teams will begin work there later. Construction crews must wait for the water levels to drop before they fix the damage.
The Water Resources Department continues its daily work. Officials track the changing flood situation. They monitor the river water levels across all the affected river basins. The government instructs local emergency teams to stay ready. They prepare to manage the extra water and maintain safety in the region.

Odisha Floods Update: 212 People Rescued in 24 Hours

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:07:07 +0000

Bhubaneswar: Heavy rain currently causes floods in several parts of Odisha. The state government must respond to the rising water levels. The Odisha Fire Services leads the relief work for the state. The agency deployed 60 rescue teams to help local citizens. These teams operate across five different districts. The affected districts include Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, and Kendujhar. The rescue teams carry special equipment to complete their jobs. They primarily use rubber boats and mechanized boats. These boats allow the workers to reach severely waterlogged areas. They can easily access neighborhoods completely surrounded by flood water.

Sudhanshu Sarangi serves as the Director General of the Fire Services. He shared the latest updates regarding the ongoing operations. The teams work constantly to move people to dry ground. In the past 24 hours, the fire service workers rescued 212 people. The teams transport these individuals away from the flooded zones. Citizens also ask the fire service to save their animals. The rescue teams accept these requests from the public. They transport domestic animals to safe locations. So far, the crews have rescued 120 domestic animals from the water.
The flood water blocks important buildings and roads. The Fire Services uses large pumps to remove this standing water. They call this specific process dewatering. The teams have pumped water out of 45 different locations across the state. These locations include local medical facilities. They also include electricity sub-stations and government block offices. Removing the water helps these essential places operate again. The dewatering programs continue at this moment. Director General Sarangi expects the workload to change soon. The overall rescue operations will intensify once the water levels go down in the most flooded areas.
The fire department asks the public to communicate their needs. Citizens can ask for help if they face danger from the water. Director General Sarangi told people to dial 112 on their phones. This phone number connects citizens directly to emergency services. Anyone stuck in a flooded area should make this call. The rescue teams monitor this emergency line at all times. They dispatch units as soon as they receive a call for help. The teams will reach the specific location quickly and move the callers to safety.
The rescue operations require difficult work from the emergency staff. Director General Sarangi reported a casualty during the current mission. One firefighter died while doing his job in the flooded areas. The official stated that this firefighter lived in Talcher. The fire department continues the rescue work across the five districts. The active teams maintain their focus on moving citizens out of the water.

Glasgow 2026: India Wins 2 Silver Medals; 4 Boxers Advance to Semifinals

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:07:46 +0000

News Delhi: Indian athletes continue to win medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Recently, two athletes won silver medals for the country. Gulveer Singh earned a silver medal in running, and Harjinder Kaur earned a silver medal in weightlifting. These recent wins increase India's total medal count at the global sporting event.

Gulveer Singh set a new record for India in track and field. He competed in the men’s 10,000-metre race at the Scotstoun Stadium. He became the first Indian athlete to win a medal in this specific event at the Commonwealth Games. Singh ran the long distance in 27 minutes and 49.78 seconds. He finished the race in second place. Ky Robinson from Australia won the first-place position. Before this competition, Singh also held the title of Asian champion.
Harjinder Kaur brought more success to the Indian team on the same day. The 29-year-old athlete competed in the women’s 69-kilogramme weightlifting event. She lifted a total weight of 227 kilograms to secure the silver medal. This victory gives Kaur her second medal at the Commonwealth Games. She previously won a bronze medal at the 2022 Games in Birmingham. The Indian weightlifting team has performed very well in Glasgow. Kaur's silver medal is the seventh medal for India out of eight weightlifting events.
With these two new silver medals, India now holds a total of 12 medals at the Glasgow Games. The current medal count includes two gold medals, seven silver medals, and three bronze medals. The leaders of the country recognized these achievements. President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Gulveer Singh and Harjinder Kaur. Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan also sent his congratulations to the two athletes.
At the same time, Indian boxers are performing well in the boxing ring. Four different Indian boxers won their quarterfinal matches. They advanced to the semifinals. This stage of the tournament guarantees each of them at least a bronze medal. Now, they will fight in the next round. They aim to win their next matches to compete for silver or gold medals.
Lovlina Borgohain is one of these successful boxers. She secured a spot in the semifinals for the women’s 75-kilogramme boxing event. Preeti Pawar also won her match. She moved forward to the semifinals in the women’s 54-kilogramme category. Priya Ghanghas fought against Niamh Mitchell from Scotland in the women’s 60-kilogramme quarterfinal. Ghanghas defeated Mitchell with a final score of 4-1. Finally, Jadumani Singh Mandengbam competed in the men’s 55-kilogramme event. He defeated his opponent and entered the semifinals. His win adds one more guaranteed medal to the Indian boxing team's total count.

Odisha Floods Update: Over 2 Lakh Affected Across 6 Districts

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:46:17 +0000

Bhubaneswar: Heavy rainfall in the state of Odisha caused major rivers to cross their danger levels. The high water levels created floods across six districts. These floods currently affect more than 200,000 people. River water broke through multiple riverbanks and entered residential areas. The state government immediately started relief operations to manage the situation and assist the public.

According to the Special Relief Commissioner, the floodwaters reached 748 villages. The water completely surrounded 226 of these villages. Residents in these isolated locations cannot travel by road. The official state report confirms four deaths due to the flood events. The four worst-affected districts include Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Keonjhar. The Nabarangpur district also reports significant infrastructure issues due to the ongoing weather conditions.
State administration officials focus heavily on emergency rescue tasks. Government workers moved nearly 28,000 residents away from dangerous flood zones. They transported these people to safe government shelters and relief camps. The state deployed 17 specialized rescue teams to handle the evacuations. These units include members from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF). The rescue workers use boats to transport people from the cut-off villages.
The floods also caused specific damage to local transportation routes. In the Nabarangpur district, floodwater fully submerged a temporary bridge over the Tel River. This bridge connects the towns of Umerkote and Raighar. Because the water covers the structure, vehicles cannot travel between the two locations. This roadblock halts normal travel and transport in that specific region.

Local authorities continue to monitor the river water levels. Government engineers work to repair the broken riverbanks and prevent more water from flowing into the villages. The state government directs all citizens to stay away from the rivers and follow all official safety instructions until the water recedes.

RBI Orders Complete Closure of Paytm Payments Bank: Full Details

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:30:09 +0000

New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that Paytm Payments Bank Limited will completely close its business operations. The central banking authority issued this statement to inform the public about the final steps of the bank's closure. To manage this process, the RBI appointed Girikumar Nair as the Official Liquidator. Nair previously worked as the Chief General Manager of the State Bank of India (SBI). He will now take charge and oversee the final settlement of all bank matters.

The Legal Process

The RBI took this step after receiving specific orders from the Delhi High Court. The court gave the legal permission to start the winding-up process for the bank. The authorities are using two main sets of rules to close the business. They are following the rules listed in the Banking Regulation Act of 1949, and they are also following the guidelines from the Companies Act of 2013. These laws provide a clear legal path to close a financial institution properly.

Reasons for the Closure

The central bank did not make this decision suddenly. Earlier, the RBI canceled the official banking license of Paytm Payments Bank. The regulator took this action because the bank broke major industry rules. The RBI found serious regulatory violations during its regular checks. The authorities also raised strong concerns about how the bank managed its daily business affairs. Because the bank failed to resolve these operational problems, the RBI decided that the bank could no longer operate legally in the country.

Safety of Customer Funds

Many customers use this bank to keep their savings and conduct daily transactions. The RBI shared important news for all people who currently have money in Paytm Payments Bank. The banking regulator clarified that the bank has enough money to pay everyone back. Financial experts call this having sufficient liquidity. This means the bank holds enough cash to return all deposit liabilities to the customers. Customers will not lose their deposits during this closure process.
### The Role of the Liquidator
Girikumar Nair will act as the central figure during the final stages of the bank. As the Official Liquidator, he has several important jobs. He will take control of all assets belonging to Paytm Payments Bank. He will review all the financial records and customer accounts. After checking the records, he will systematically return the money to the depositors. He will also pay any other businesses or people that the bank owes money to. Once he pays all the debts, he will officially close the bank records forever. The RBI and the legal courts will monitor his work to ensure complete accuracy and fairness.

Indian Women’s Hockey Team Departs for 2026 World Cup: Practice & Match Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:13:58 +0000

New Delhi: The Indian women’s hockey team left India on Wednesday. The team traveled to Europe. The players will play in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 next month. Before the main tournament, the team will play practice matches. The players want to prepare well for the upcoming games.

Belgium and the Netherlands will host the FIH Hockey World Cup. The women's tournament will start on August 15. The final match will take place on August 30. Many top teams from around the world will compete in this event.
First, the Indian team will travel to Frankfurt, Germany. The players will play two practice matches against the German national team. The team will play the first practice match on July 31. They will play the second practice match on August 1. These practice games are very useful for the Indian players. The weather and playing conditions in Europe are different from India. The practice matches will help the players adjust to the European environment. The coaches will also check the players' performance during these games. The coaches will decide the best team combinations for the main tournament.
After the matches in Germany, the team will travel to Amsterdam. They will arrive in the city on August 2. The players will continue their daily training there. The tournament officials placed India in Pool D for the World Cup. Pool D includes four teams: India, China, South Africa, and England. India will play its first World Cup match against China. This opening match will happen on August 16.
Salima Tete is the captain of the Indian women's hockey team. She spoke about the team's preparation. She said the team finished a strict training program recently. She stated that the practice matches against Germany are very important. She added that the first game against China is a big test for the team. The captain expects a good start to the tournament. She said all players will work hard during every match.
The Indian men’s hockey team will also play in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup. Belgium and the Netherlands will host the men's tournament too. The men's games will start on August 14. The final men's game will happen on August 30. The men's team recently showed their new playing shirts to the public. The players will wear these new jerseys during the World Cup matches. The Indian men's team qualified for this World Cup last year. They won the Men’s Asia Cup. They won that qualifying tournament in India. Both Indian teams aim to play their best hockey in Europe.

Deep Depression Tracker: Current Path Across Central India

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:57:05 +0000

Bhubaneswar: The Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar issued a new weather alert on July 29, 2026. This alert provides details about a major weather system in the region. Experts call this system a deep depression. A deep depression creates a strong low-pressure zone in the atmosphere. This low-pressure zone often brings heavy rain and strong winds to the affected areas.

Earlier today, this weather system stayed over the northern parts of Odisha. It also covered areas in southern Jharkhand and the state of Chhattisgarh.

Current Position and Speed

Over the last six hours, the deep depression moved toward the west. It traveled at a steady speed of 15 kilometers per hour. By 8:30 AM Indian Standard Time, the system reached a new location. It moved into the central region of Chhattisgarh. It also stayed over some northern inland parts of Odisha. Scientists pinpointed its exact location on the map. They recorded the center near latitude 21.9 degrees North and longitude 83.3 degrees East.
The weather department shared exact distances from major cities. These numbers help local leaders understand the precise position of the system. Right now, the center of the deep depression is very close to Raigarh in Chhattisgarh. It sits just west and northwest of this city.
The meteorologists also provided distances from other key places:

The system is 60 kilometers away from Champa in Chhattisgarh, located to the east and southeast of the town.
It is 80 kilometers northwest of Sambalpur in Odisha.
The system sits 120 kilometers east of Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh.
It is located 180 kilometers east and northeast of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh.

Future Path and Monitoring

Weather experts look at the current data to predict the next steps. They state that the deep depression will maintain its current path. It will continue moving steadily toward the west. During the next 24 hours, the weather system will cross the entire state of Chhattisgarh. After it crosses Chhattisgarh, it will enter the eastern areas of Madhya Pradesh.
A recent satellite picture confirms the location of this weather system. The INSAT-3DS satellite captured this thermal infrared image. The picture shows a thick layer of clouds covering central India. Meteorologists use these clear images to track the weather closely. They told local government officials in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh to stay alert. These local leaders must watch the weather changes carefully. They will track the system as the deep depression moves through their areas during the next few days.

NEET-UG 2026: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Protests

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 14:46:07 +0000

Bhubaneswar: 25/ July: Dharmendra Pradhan has officially submitted his resignation letter to the Prime Minister. He stepped down from his position following recent issues with the national medical entrance examination. Pradhan explained his reasons in a public letter.

The problems began after the government held the NEET-UG examination on May 3, 2026. Authorities discovered several irregularities during this test. The Indian government took immediate action. They cancelled the initial examination and ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the matter. Officials announced a new date for the students to retake the test. The government also decided to change the examination to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format starting next year.
The education department made the re-examination a top priority for over two million students. Pradhan stated that the central government worked closely with state governments and local district administrations to organize the event. Students and parents cooperated with the authorities. This joint effort allowed the government to finish the second examination on June 21, 2026.
Officials published the new test results on July 16, 2026. Pradhan observed that many capable students from poor backgrounds achieved success in this second test. However, he pointed out that certain individuals in positions of power tried to mislead the students and create barriers.
Pradhan took personal responsibility for the examination issues from the first day. He promised to stop examination mafias from ruining the chances of hardworking students.
Currently, students continue to protest at Jantar Mantar and in other locations across the country. Pradhan resigned to stop opposing groups from using these protests for their own advantage. He aims to protect national unity. He wants students to avoid legal problems and focus entirely on their studies and future careers.
In his letter, Pradhan mentioned his four decades of experience working with students and teachers. He thanked the Prime Minister, his fellow ministers, and the education ministry staff for their support. He plans to remain active in public service for India and the people of Odisha.

Bhodar Village Resumes Bahuda Yatra After 50 Years

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:37:43 +0000

NIMAPADA, July 24: (Report- Ajaya Mallik): The residents of Bhodar village in the Nimapada block of Puri district successfully organised the Bahuda Yatra. This local event took place on the same day as the main return chariot festival in the city of Puri. The villagers of Bhodar took full responsibility for organising the chariot festival. A key part of the event was the 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual. Sabyasachi Ray Chudamani, a member of the traditional Chudamani family of the village, performed this duty. He swept the floor of the chariot before the main journey began.

After completing a nine-day schedule, the villagers pulled the chariot back to its original place. They started pulling the chariot from the Bhagabat Thakur temple located in the Nalabag area. They pulled the chariot along the local roads until it reached the Raghunath Jew temple in Bhodar.
This year's festival holds special importance for the local community. The village organised this chariot pulling after a long gap of 50 years. The young people of the village worked together to make this event happen. Their joint work successfully revived an old local tradition.
Many visitors from different villages across the panchayat came to Bhodar. They gathered to see Lord Jagannath seated on the chariot. The visitors offered prayers for the safety and welfare of their families and the general public.
The local police administration took necessary steps to maintain security. Officers from the Charichhak Police Station conducted strict patrolling throughout the area. They monitored the crowd and controlled the traffic during the chariot pulling.
The organisers also shared the schedule for the upcoming days. The priests will organize the 'Suna Besha' ritual tomorrow. During this ritual, they will decorate the deities with gold ornaments. On Sunday, the priests will offer a special drink known as 'Adhara Pana' to the deities. After finishing all these rituals, the priests will carry the deities back into the Raghunath Jew temple and place them on the main throne.

Cabinet Approves Rs 3,030 Crore BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme for 3 Chemical Parks

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:27:05 +0000

New Delhi: 24 July: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Cabinet approved a new industrial plan called the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme. The government previously announced this project in the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27. Under this plan, India will construct three large, dedicated chemical parks across the country. The government aims to organise the chemical industry, lower production costs, and make Indian companies more competitive in the global market.

Budget and Financial Details

The government will spend a total of 3,030 crore rupees on this project. Officials will use 3,000 crore rupees to build shared infrastructure and basic utilities inside the three parks. They will allocate the remaining 30 crore rupees to cover administrative costs. The scheme will operate for a five-year period, starting in the financial year 2026-27 and ending in 2030-31.
The central government and the state governments will share the financial responsibilities. The central government will provide a grant of up to 1,000 crore rupees for each chemical park. To receive these funds, a state government must also invest a minimum of 500 crore rupees into the park.

Land and Infrastructure Requirements

The central government will select the locations through a competitive process among the states, known as the challenge route. To qualify, each state must provide a minimum of 2,000 acres, or eight square kilometers, of clear and connected land.
The government will design these chemical parks with ready-to-use facilities so companies can start their operations quickly. The parks will include common effluent treatment plants and waste disposal systems to handle dangerous materials safely. The parks will also provide reliable water distribution systems, steam generation networks, solvent recovery tools, and connected pipelines. Furthermore, the sites will feature modern storage and logistics areas to help companies move their products efficiently.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme will bring several benefits to the Indian economy. By sharing basic utilities, companies will reduce their logistics and production costs. Centralized waste management systems will also ensure that companies follow environmental laws and manufacture chemicals safely.
Many other sectors depend heavily on the chemical industry. Agriculture, textiles, medicines, construction, and electronics all require chemicals and petrochemicals to manufacture their goods. As the chemical industry expands, these related industries will also grow. This overall industrial growth will attract investments from both domestic and foreign businesses. Ultimately, the scheme will create new jobs, increase the country's manufacturing capacity, and reduce the need to import chemicals from other nations.

Odisha Inks Rs 15,000 Crore Deal With HCLTech and Sarvam AI for New AI Park

noreply@blogger.com (Rabindra Kumar Pradhan ) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:53:54 +0000

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha state government signed two major business agreements with technology companies HCLTech and Sarvam AI. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi oversaw the signing ceremony in Bhubaneswar. Through these agreements, the companies will build a Global Development Centre and a new AI Park. The AI Park will feature a data centre designed specifically for artificial intelligence work.

These projects will bring significant money and jobs to the state. Officials expect total investments to exceed Rs 15,000 crore over the next five years. The new facilities will create over 6,000 direct jobs for skilled workers. Out of the total amount, HCLTech plans to invest around Rs 730 crore into its specific projects.
Several important leaders attended the signing event. Electronics and Information Technology Minister Mukesh Mahaling joined the meeting. HCLTech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra and Sarvam AI Chief Executive Officer Pratyush Kumar also attended the ceremony alongside senior government officials.

Chief Minister Majhi spoke to the attendees about the new projects. He noted that the signing took place on the day of the local Bahuda Rath Yatra festival. He stated that the agreements will improve the technology industry in Odisha. Under the first agreement, HCLTech will construct the Global Development Centre. Under the second agreement, HCLTech and Sarvam AI will build the AI Data Centre at the new Odisha Sovereign AI Park. The Chief Minister explained that this data centre will protect local data and help the state grow its digital economy.
HCLTech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra also addressed the group. She recalled a meeting with the Chief Minister at the HCLTech campus in Noida last year. During that meeting, the Chief Minister presented the state's business policies for technology and data centres. Malhotra said HCLTech chose Odisha because the state offers skilled workers and many engineering colleges. She added that Odisha acts faster than many other states in building technology infrastructure.

Malhotra also outlined plans to train local students. HCLTech will collaborate with local engineering institutes and Sarvam AI to teach new skills. She explained that companies need time to build a workforce trained in artificial intelligence. To solve this, the companies will teach modern technology skills to recent engineering graduates and prepare them for future jobs.