News from Bhubaneswar

Incessant rainfall in Odisha has led to a sharp increase in vegetable prices, affecting both consumers and farmers. Key vegetables like brinjal, ridge gourd, and tomatoes have seen prices double, with transport disruptions exacerbating the situation.

The Odisha government has promoted 15 OAS officers to higher ranks on an ad hoc basis, pending OPSC recommendations, including seven to Special Secretary and eight to SAG.

In a political storm that’s gripped Odisha, BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan met party seniors following allegations of assaulting a BMC official. The party refrained from announcing any decision, with its state president indicating that the final call lies with the government.

Odisha's inability to control Subarnarekha River floods is due to its dependence on Jharkhand's Chandil Dam, Water Resources Department said. The State faces flood concerns as continuous rainfall raises water levels in several rivers. While some remain below danger marks, delays in water discharge and an upcoming low-pressure system could intensify the situation across multiple basins.

Several trains, including Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express and Kirandul-Visakhapatnam Night Express, were cancelled due to landslides caused by heavy rainfall in Koraput, Odisha. Railway officials rushed to the site to assess the damage and begin restoration work. Passengers are advised to check the train status updates before making travel plans.

The Odisha Administrative Service Association demands BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan's arrest for assaulting BMC Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, urging enhanced security for officials. A proposal has also been passed to submit a formal memorandum to the Chief Minister. The OAS outfit, while condemning the attack, reiterated its commitment to administrative responsibility.

The Odisha government has introduced key reforms to strengthen RERA 2016 implementation, including real-time project approvals notification to ORERA, digital data sharing, and enhanced enforcement mechanisms.

Heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms with lightning, and gusty winds up to 40 kmph are predicted in several Odisha districts over the next 72 hours due to a low-pressure system, with IMD issuing Orange and Yellow alerts till July 4. A low-pressure system is prevalent over Gangetic West Bengal, adjoining north Odisha, Jharkhand, and its neighbourhood.

A massive explosion at Sigachi Industries' pharma plant in Telangana has claimed 40 lives so far, with several Odisha migrant workers among the deceased. Rescue operations continue as identities of victims are being established through DNA profiling. Odisha Government has sent two officials to Telangana to coordinate the rescue efforts for Odia migrant workers.

Odisha BJP suspends five members, including corporator Aparupa Narayan Rout, also known as Jiban, for alleged involvement in attacking BMC Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, as confirmed by state president Manmohan Samal. Alongside Jiban Rout, Rashmi Ranjan Mahapatra, and Debashis Pradhan have also faced suspension. The list further includes Sachikant Swain and Sanjeeb Mishra.

An SUV linked to Baripada MLA Prakash Soren met with an accident in Bhubaneswar, sparking contraband claims. The vehicle allegedly contained liquor and cannabis, leading to a police probe.

Odisha's Cyber Crime Unit blocks 15 fake hotel booking sites targeting Rath Yatra tourists, mimicking Puri hotels to dupe visitors with false discounts and bookings.

Odisha Vigilance arrested Dayanidhi Bagh, Joint Director of Soil Conservation, for possessing disproportionate assets worth crores, including 84 acres of land, gold, and a luxury flat.

BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan responds to allegations of BMC Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo's misbehavior towards a female sanitation worker, sparking a controversy and subsequent assault on Sahoo.

BMC staff protested in black badges after Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo was brutally attacked in his office by assailants linked to a BJP leader, demanding justice and better security.