News from Bhubaneswar

Recent incessant rainfall in southern Odisha impacts farmers' livelihoods. Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra allows District Collectors to decide on paddy FAQ relaxation, with compensation pledge. He encouraged farmers to continue bringing in whatever they could for sale, assuring the farmers of fair and proper evaluations.

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik blames EVMs for electoral loss, urging a return to paper ballots. BJP's Manmohan Samal advises formal complaint to Election Commission. The comments from Odisha BJP chief Samal came in the wake of remarks made by Naveen Patnaik on the occasion of his party’s Foundation Day.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah to attend key BJP meeting in Bhubaneswar on December 29. He will engage with BJP leaders at Kalinga Stadium. His official visit is part of a concise (two-day) itinerary, with a departure scheduled for the evening of December 29.

Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta assures Odisha farmers of compensation for crop loss due to recent rainfall. A committee will assess damage, and affected farmers will be compensated. Those bringing superior-grade paddy for procurement will receive a bonus of Rs 800.

The Commissionerate Police-Bhubaneswar nabbed a gang of five involved in illegal firearms trading. The police team seized five firearms, 15 rounds of live bullets, Rs 84,000 in cash, and a car from the possession of the arrested persons. A detailed probe is underway.

The curriculum will help impart training for developing this workforce to enable them to reach global standards, and simultaneously address the multi-disciplinary needs of quantum technology development -- from basic to applied research.

As per IMD, heavy rainfall has occurred at Khordha and Kalahandi while light to moderate rainfall occurred at many places over the districts of Odisha.

Odisha to disburse second instalment under Subhadra scheme in March 2025, aiding 1 crore beneficiaries. CM Mohan Majhi highlights DBT mode for timely aid to women. As of December 1, a total of 1,05,36,612 women have applied under the Subhadra scheme.

As per IMD, it is likely to continue to move northwestwards and weaken gradually into a low pressure area over Westcentral & adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal off South Andhra Pradesh-North Tamil Nadu coasts during the next 24 hours.

Samal criticised the previous state government for not fulfilling its duty to execute these refunds. He assured that the new BJP government in the state is taking all necessary steps to facilitate the reimbursement of funds to investors.

AICTE plans to integrate AI across disciplines in higher and technical education by 2025. Institutions must submit AI plans by Dec 2024. Inspired by PM Modi, AICTE aims for India as a Vishwa Guru through innovation and ethics.

Odisha Govt promises to procure paddy despite quality issues due to rain, assures Minister Patra. Farmers get extra time to sell crops. Compensation schemes are active. Earlier on Monday, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed preparations to compensate for losses due to heavy rains.

BMC soon to launch a sterilisation drive for stray dogs in Bhubaneswar after a surge in attacks. Mayor Sulochana Das confirmed the programme's resumption, overcoming previous legal hurdles. Over the past two years, more than 5,00,000 individuals have fallen victim to the canine attacks.

MP Aparajita Sarangi reviews railway projects in Bhubaneswar. Sanapadar station to open January 20. Metro Rail phase one by December 2027.

Fuel and LPG consumers in Odisha face cheating by some petrol pumps and gas agencies, warns Minister Krushna Chandra Patra. He calls for strengthened inspections.