News from Bhubaneswar

A crucial meeting was held in Bhubaneswar to address the controversy surrounding ISKCON's untimely Rath Yatra. Traditionalists and Odisha officials, including Gajapati Maharaj and the SJTA, raised concerns over the event's violation of scriptural traditions, urging a resolution.

Opposition parties in Odisha Assembly raised concerns over the delay in the KIIT University inquiry report, questioning the government's inquiry report on allegedly 'wrong handling' of student unrest and the suspicious death of a Nepali student. Calls for transparency and urgent action continue to grow.

The school timing for Class-I to CIass-XII has been rescheduled from 6 30 A.M to 10.30 AM with immediate effect. This rescheduled timing is applicable to all government, government-aided and privately managed schools in Odisha.

BJP MLA Padmalochan Panda claimed that VK Pandian prevented Naveen Patnaik from becoming Odisha CM, alleging he was manipulated. Naveen Babu was kept like an ‘insane’ man. He was unable to understand anything, Panda said. BJD dismissed it as misinformation.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Assembly that 50 journalists died due to Covid-19 in the state. Ex gratia of Rs 15 lakh was given to kin of 49 journalists, with one exception in Cuttack. Ganjam recorded the highest toll.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, IndiGo will provide flight services four days a week under the New Destination Policy of the Odisha government. 

Bhubaneswar: In the last three years, Odisha has exported 4,18,79,050 metric tons of iron ore to China, generating substantial revenue for the state. This information was provided by Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra is set to meet Odisha's CM, demanding a CBI inquiry into the 2023 murder of former Health Minister Naba Das, questioning delayed revelations and pushing for justice, as opposition parties support the call for an independent probe.

Odisha has confirmed significant gold reserves across multiple districts, Mines Minister Bibhuti Jena informed the Assembly. Exploration is ongoing in Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Keonjhar, and Deogarh, with a landmark gold mine auction planned.

Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena revealed that 460 school buses in Bhubaneswar lack valid fitness certificates, raising student safety concerns.

Bhubaneswar's Infocity Police arrested YouTuber Tapi Mishra over alleged objectionable social media remarks. The complaint details remain undisclosed, sparking debates on digital accountability. He was arrested for singing Shiv Tandav Strota.

Odisha faces a severe healthcare crisis with 5,822 doctor posts vacant. Jagatsinghpur and Nayagarh hospitals struggle due to staff shortages. OMSA criticises the State's recruitment policies. The State government has assured that procedures are underway to remedy this issue.

Odisha government has sought six more weeks from the Supreme Court to respond to Dara Singh’s clemency plea. Singh, convicted for much-debated Graham Staines' murder in 1999, cited a Rajiv Gandhi assassination case precedent.

Naba Das's family met Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, urging a CBI probe into his murder. Dipali Das submitted a formal request, citing dissatisfaction with the Crime Branch inquiry. The CM has assured the family members that real culprit will be punished.

Odisha government has removed nearly 5 lakh deceased and ineligible beneficiaries from the Public Distribution System (PDS) list during the ongoing e-KYC verification. The State aims to complete the process by March 31, 2025, ensuring accurate beneficiary data.