News from Bhubaneswar

Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday apprehended Sarita Barik, OFS-I, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, Bhubaneswar-IV Circle while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000 from a bakery shop owner.

The Odisha government has effected a major reshuffle in the state administration with the transfer and posting of several senior OAS officers, as per a notification issued by the General Administration and Public Grievance Department on Tuesday.

A new book by journalist Ruben Banerjee reveals late Gita Mehta’s alleged concerns about VK Pandian’s influence on her brother, former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik. The revelation has sparked internal unrest in the BJD, with debates over Sujata R. Karthikeyan’s unofficial role, leadership ambitions, and rising discontent among senior leaders after the party’s recent electoral defeat.

In a strategic cultural push, the Odisha government will introduce a heritage policy to protect over 3,000 historic monuments. Chaired by Deputy CM Pravati Parida, a high-level meeting decided on forming a task force and prioritising 75 key sites. The initiative aims to preserve Odisha’s heritage while enhancing tourism infrastructure and restoring lost artefacts across ancient locations.

In a bid to make governance more people-oriented, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday launched a new initiative called ‘Ama Shasana’ at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.

Odisha is preparing for a sweeping aviation infrastructure expansion, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announcing the development of 14 new airports and 15 heliports across the state. A new progressive land allotment policy for aviation facilities will also be rolled out to encourage flying training, UAV operations, and aero sports.

The Odisha revenue employees’ association called of its agitation after 15 days, following assurances from the state government on Tuesday.

Odisha is bracing for another spell of heavy rainfall as a fresh low-pressure area is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted on Tuesday.

At a book launch event, senior politician Soumya Ranjan Patnaik criticised former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, accusing him of surrendering complete control to VK Pandian. Questioning Pandian's rapid rise in power, Soumya highlighted the opaque functioning within the BJD. The event stirred political debate, exposing internal tensions and raising questions about leadership and influence in Odisha politics.

Odisha has set a new all-time record in paddy procurement registration, with over 18.5 lakh farmers enrolled so far, surpassing last year’s figures. Food Supplies Minister credited the growth to e-KYC implementation and a self-declaration facility. These reforms have improved accessibility, ensuring genuine farmers benefit from the system. Registration remains open until midnight today.

The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Odisha on August 26 and 27. Orange and Yellow alerts have been issued for multiple districts amid warnings of flooding and gusty winds. Under the influence of an upper air cyclonic circulation over northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha-West Bengal coasts, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region during the next 48 hours.

Odisha Deputy CM K.V. Singh Deo chaired a high-level taskforce meeting to discuss and strategise on reducing labour migration, evaluating policies, and enhancing welfare for migrant workers. The government is under pressure to address the growing concerns around the safety, rights, and rehabilitation of Odisha’s large migrant workforce, especially in the wake of recent incidents highlighting their vulnerability.

Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati questioned the state's lag in fish production compared to Andhra Pradesh at OUAT's 64th Foundation Day, prompting Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo to announce new educational expansions. New agricultural colleges are proposed in Mayurbhanj and Berhampur. Similarly, a fisheries and animal husbandry college is also being planned for Sonepur.

Water levels in Subarnarekha and Baitarani rivers exceed danger marks due to heavy rainfall, with Engineer-in-Chief Chandrashekhar Padhy warning of potential floods in Odisha.

Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray attacks VK Pandian for hiding Naveen Patnaik's health updates, calling it a serious mistake affecting BJD and Odisha.