News from Bhubaneswar

Commissionerate Police announces traffic restrictions in Bhubaneswar for Independence Day Parade rehearsals and main event, affecting Mahatma Gandhi Marg and surrounding areas from August 11-15.

Odisha's School and Mass Education Department has withdrawn regularisation order for 16,000 contractual teachers, causing unrest. The decision, reversed five days post-announcement, lacks clear explanation. On August 2, the S&ME Department had issued a letter that promised regular appointments and grade pay revisions for teachers who had been serving on a contractual basis for over six years.

Rebati Raul succumbs to injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar after a Thar hit her, following her daughter's death in the same accident, sparking outrage over road safety. The incident had occurred last Saturday when an overspeeding white Thar, allegedly racing with a black Scorpio, rammed into Rebati, her son, and her 8-year-old daughter Reshma.

A Bhubaneswar sweet shop faces backlash for selling fungus-infested Chhena Poda, leading to police intervention and public outrage over food safety.

Unidentified miscreants vandalised Amaresh Jena's Ward Office in Bhubaneswar, damaging property. Jena, jailed for an alleged rape case, is a controversial figure. Police are investigating possible motives including personal enmity or political rivalry.

Odisha Police's 'Operation Garuda' led to 129 arrests, seizure of firearms, illicit liquor, and drugs, showcasing efforts to curb crime and anti-social activities across the state.

Odisha government has spent over Rs 170 crore in two years compensating airlines for empty seats under the viability gap funding scheme, as part of its international flights initiative aimed at boosting tourism and investment. In a major tourism push, the State government had introduced direct international flights from Bhubaneswar to some of the key destinations—Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore.

Odisha Congress, led by OPCC chief Bhakta Charan Das, gheraoed the DGP office in Cuttack over alleged law and order collapse, citing recent incidents at FM College and Balanga village. BJP dismissed the protest as politicisation. Several senior Congress leaders participated in the gherao, raising slogans and demanding accountability from the State police administration.

Shiva Prasad Barik's body found under mysterious circumstances in Bharatpur, Bhubaneswar; family alleges police cover-up and names SI Baikunthanath Behera.

BJD senior leader Mahesh Sahoo confirms the party will not support the NDA-backed candidate in the Vice Presidential election, marking a shift in political stance.

Residents of Jatni town face severe water crisis during Sawan month, with WATCO's piped supply halted for four days, sparking public outrage and demands for administrative intervention.

Odisha government mandates filling 22,800 Group C vacancies by August 31, 2025, to address staff shortages in key departments like School and Mass Education, Panchayati Raj, and Health.

Former Deputy Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly, Bibhuti Bhusan Singh Mardaraj, passed away at 70 in Bhubaneswar. A three-time MLA from Khandapada, his demise has mourned by the political fraternity.

Violent clashes erupted at Utkal University ahead of student union polls between ABVP and Yuva Morcha factions, injuring several students and prompting police deployment. Police have been deployed on campus to monitor the situation, and authorities are on alert to prevent further escalation. Sources say both clashing groups are affiliated with the same political party.

IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Odisha on August 7, issuing a yellow warning for 21 districts due to a cyclonic system near Bangladesh. Director Manorama Mohanty warns of thunderstorms and gusty winds. Rainfall is likely to continue in different districts of the State till August 11, with more localised thunderstorms possible depending on the development of a cyclonic circulation over south Bangladesh by August 8.