News from Bhubaneswar

NCERT clarifies the omission of Odisha's Paika Rebellion from Class 8 Social Studies textbook, stating it will feature in the forthcoming second volume, addressing public and political concerns. The autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Education had come under fire following the release of the first volume, which omitted the ‘1817 Paika Bidroha,’ widely regarded as India’s first armed uprising against British colonial rule.

The IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in Odisha from July 23-27 due to an upper air cyclonic circulation, issuing an Orange Warning for several districts. A fresh low-pressure area is likely to form over the north Bay of Bengal around 24th July, 2025. The trough from Gangetic West Bengal to south interior Odisha across Jharkhand at 0.9 Km above mean sea level has become less marked.

A Crime Branch team intensifies its probe into the tragic suicide of a girl student at FM College, Balasore, questioning faculty and staff to uncover negligence or harassment. Several vital leads and digital evidence have been collected. A proper probe is underway, the Crime Branch Director General (DG) Vinaytosh Mishra said in a presser yesterday.

The late-night postponement of the special OTET exam by BSE has caused widespread anger among teaching aspirants in Odisha, with many left uninformed and frustrated. This OTET exam was meant for over 75,000 teachers who had been appointed before the 2011–12 academic year without appearing for eligibility test.

SI Debiprasad Behura suspended by Commissionerate Police for failing to file NDPS case chargesheet on time, leading to accused's bail.

A youth was allegedly beaten to death in Bhubaneswar's Bharatpur area following a violent altercation, sparking outrage. The incident occurred in Somanath slum, with the accused absconding.

The death of a female student at FM College, Balasore, has ignited allegations of campus politics and harassment, with her family demanding justice amidst claims of a smear campaign. The recent death of the female college student in Balasore has taken a darker turn, with allegations pointing to organised student politics, targeted character defamation, and administrative inaction.

Bhubaneswar leaps to 9th in Swachh Survekshan 2025, up from 34th, showcasing improved civic management and public participation in cleanliness. According to the Government, 14 crore people participated in the survey through face-to-face interactions, Swachhata App, MyGov, and social media platforms in over 4,500 cities.

A dawn-to-dusk 'Odisha bandh' called by Congress over a student's death in Balasore disrupted life, affecting transport and closing institutions.

Jyotiprakash Biswal, who attempted to save a girl from self-immolation at FM College, is in ICU with severe burns. The Odisha government has promised support. Jyotiprakash had sustained serious burns on his hands, face, and lungs while trying to extinguish the flames. His father, Sanatan Biswal, shared that his son's entire face and both arms were scorched.

The Odisha Crime Branch has taken over the investigation into the tragic death of a girl student from FM College, Balasore, with DSP Iman Kalyan Nayak leading the probe and Inspector Panchali Rout assisting. The case has attracted state-wide attention, and with the Crime Branch now involved, the focus will be on uncovering the exact cause and circumstances behind the girl student’s untimely demise.

Congress, led by Alka Lamba, to gherao Parliament on July 21 over women's safety in Odisha, criticising State and Central governments for alleged inaction. Lamba accused the Odisha government of a total administrative failure, especially regarding rising crimes against women. She severely criticised both the State and Central governments for their inaction and silence.

The physical fitness test for Home Guard recruitment in Bhubaneswar, postponed to July 18 due to transportation issues, will proceed at the OSAP 7th Battalion ground as originally planned.

A second-year B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore, died after self-immolating over inaction on her sexual harassment complaint, sparking political outrage. BJD demands a judicial probe and public apology, while Congress announces 'Odisha Bandh'.

Odisha's '108-Ambulance' service faces severe criticism due to dilapidated conditions, including leaky roofs, broken doors, and missing oxygen cylinders, causing immense patient suffering across regions like Gunupur, Baliguda, Rourkela, and Rajgangpur. Despite mounting complaints, the responsible contract agency has acted ‘slowly’—though new ambulances are promised soon.