News from Bhubaneswar

Odisha's government schools struggle with teacher shortages, affecting Maths, English, and Science learning. Over 11,635 teacher posts remain vacant. Initiatives like Utkarsh Yojana aimed to enhance student skills go for a toss.

BJP national Vice-President Baijayant Panda visited Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi in hospital after a Parliament scuffle. The Kendrapara MP wished Sarangi an early recovery. The health condition of MP Pratap Sarangi, who suffered injuries near Makar Dwar when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi allegedly manhandled him, is stable and showing signs of improvement.

PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah focus on Odisha's rapid development with new BJP government ahead of 2024 elections. Frequent visits signal major initiatives.

Odisha's new agricultural policy, spearheaded by Deputy CM KV Singh Deo, aims to enhance organic farming and international export through collaborative efforts and a potential cargo flight service.

A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal may turn into a depression, causing rain in Odisha. Farmers fear losses as harvested paddy risks damage. IMD warns of heavy rain in Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, and Gajapati.

Bhubaneswar will have its shortest day on December 21, with about 10 hours and 54 minutes of daylight. Correspondingly, the night will last around 13 hours, 5 minutes, and 36 seconds. Space scientist Shubhendu Pattnaik explains similar patterns across Odisha. The Uttarayan period begins post-solstice.

IIM Sambalpur will independently manage MBA admissions from 2025, including a dual degree option. Candidates can choose online or offline interviews at Sambalpur or Delhi.

The Enforcement Directorate raided former OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik's residence in Bhubaneswar. The reason for the search remains unclear.

The IMD regional centre in Bhubaneswar forecasts light rain or thundershowers in several Odisha districts till the morning of December 22 due to a Low-Pressure Area over the Bay of Bengal. Dry weather is likely to prevail thereafter.

Odisha BJP youth wing protested in Bhubaneswar against Rahul Gandhi's alleged manhandling of Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi in Parliament. The protest, led by BJYM president Abhilash Panda, demanded an apology.

PM Modi focuses on Indian languages and efforts have been made to integrate mother tongues within the educational system. Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav observed all over the country aiming to stimulate multilingualism. Around 200 channels dedicated to advancing indigenous languages further.

Assistant Collector Umesh Chandra Lenka was suspended for alleged misconduct with a female employee in Jagatsinghpur district. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has ordered a swift inquiry. Any act of violence or torture against women will not be tolerated at all, the Minister said.

Odisha govt prioritises MLA and MP complaints by forming special cells per Book Circular-47, aiming to resolve grievances overlooked by the previous government. Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Surendra Kumar has ordered departmental secretaries to establish special cells manned by designated nodal and dealing officers.

Odisha Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik assures no eligible PMAY-G applicants will be excluded. The extensive housing survey across rural areas aims for inclusivity, focusing on marginalised groups. The ambitious survey is to conclude in two months.

OTV MD and Co-Founder Jagi Mangat Panda attended a lunch hosted by PM Modi for Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. She expressed her pride in India’s expanding influence and goodwill with its neighbouring as well as other countries across the globe.