News from Bhubaneswar

Diploma students from Club Chocolate crafted a 70 kg chocolate replica of PM Modi, incorporating symbols of his key initiatives, to mark his birthday.

IMD reports a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to Odisha districts, with Red Warning for Sundargarh and precautions advised.

Odisha government launches Dial 112 for ambulance access, led by Fire Services with new recruits and vehicles to enhance emergency medical aid, especially in rural areas. To support this ambitious initiative, the government has provided ambulance vehicles to the Directorate General of Fire Services. This initiative is aimed at providing immediate medical assistance, especially in road mishaps and rural emergencies.

Odisha government initiates a crackdown on underperforming and corrupt officials, with suspensions in Boudh district and disciplinary probes across departments led by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja. Transport Department has reported six officials, who are under disciplinary probe. The revelations include sexual harassment allegations against an ASO and two others, while two more are involved in criminal cases.

AG audit reveals fund mismanagement in EV advance payments and school bus fitness certificate renewals, with delays in RFID projects and road safety implementation in Odisha. The report points to mismanagement in advance payments for EVs, citing irregularities in the disbursement of funds. A faulty budget estimate resulted in Rs 75.07 crore remaining either unutilised or surrendered.

New queue Darshan system at Puri Jagannath Temple starts September 15, following managing committee formation and Hundi relocation for orderly devotee viewing. After the committee’s first official meeting, the temple ‘Hundi’ will be relocated. With this new setup, devotees will be able to have Darshan in a secure and systematic manner, reducing congestion during peak hours.

The Khandagiri flyover in Bhubaneswar is closed for 12 days from August 21 to September 1, 2025, for routine maintenance by NHAI, causing traffic diversions and congestion, with authorities urging public cooperation.

Keonjhar district in Odisha will host a Rs 50,000 crore steel plant, hailed by CM Mohan Majhi and locals as a fulfillment of long-standing demands, boosting industry and employment.

School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond announced free bus travel and textbooks for all students in Odisha, along with teacher appointments and educational reforms aligned with NEP.

IMD predicts a new low-pressure system over Bay of Bengal after August 27, bringing heavy rains to north and interior Odisha, with orange warnings issued for five districts.

Odisha signs three MoUs with IIT, NIWS, and Light of Buddhism Foundation to boost heritage, spiritual, and adventure tourism, positioning the state globally.

Odisha Assembly's monsoon session, from September 18 to 25, will feature debates on State interests, key bills, and opposition to address issues such as the farmers' plight and women's safety. The opposition has announced its intention to demand accountability from the government and ensure that it responds to all pressing issues concerning public welfare and State interest.

Two persons died in a road accident on Wednesday night when a speeding bullet motorcycle crashed into a streetlight pole on Fire Station Road near Rental Colony in Bhubaneswar, with overspeeding suspected as the cause.

BMC launches an eco-friendly drive to recycle flowers from puja pandals into incense sticks, starting with Ganesh Puja, using dedicated vehicles for collection and a new unit at Palasuni.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi refuted West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's claims of Bengali harassment, stating only illegal Bangladeshi immigrants are targeted, not lawful residents.