News from Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar residents can now check the latest retail prices of daily essentials and vegetables, providing a snapshot of current market rates per kilogram across local vendors.

Odisha CM Mohan Majhi orders strict action after a BMC officer's assault, with three arrests made. The government vows no political shield for the guilty. The CM has reiterated that no guilty party will be spared and directed law enforcement agencies to pursue the investigation with full rigidity and neutrality. So far, three individuals have been arrested, including a sitting corporator.

Following a tragic stampede near Gundicha Temple during Rath Yatra in Puri, political tensions escalate as BJD and Congress criticise the Odisha government's response, demanding accountability. Meanwhile, state BJP president Manmohan Samal expressed his sorrow over the incident but defended the government’s response.

Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan clarified that the Puri Rath Yatra stampede was not due to a delay in the Pahuda ritual, dismissing speculation of ritual conflict and promising a probe. After the Nitikantis were over, the Pahuda ritual was performed. The Minister added that a detailed probe would also focus on preventing similar occurrences in the future.

Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahu was assaulted by alleged political workers during a BMC public hearing, sparking outrage and police deployment. Eyewitnesses say that some of the attackers grabbed Sahu by his shirt collar and dragged him out of the office in full view of the public and staff members.

As immediate fallout of the incident, the Odisha government on Sunday transferred the Puri Collector and the Superintendent of Police (SP). In addition, two police officers, who were reportedly in charge of security and crowd control during the event, have been suspended pending inquiry.

Under its influence, several parts of Odisha are likely to experience thunderstorms as well as heavy to very heavy rainfall in coming days. The IMD has also issued orange and yellow warnings for several districts of the state.

Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari assures the flood situation is under control despite heavy rains raising river levels in Balasore and Mayurbhanj, with ongoing relief efforts.

The raids were carried out following allegation of possession of disproportionate assets (DA) by the senior official who was earlier posted as ex-project director, Watershed in Rayagada.

The Odisha government has also directed disaster response forces, including ODRAF and fire services, to stay on standby for any emergency rescue or relief operations in vulnerable districts.

Nandankanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar welcomes seven yellow anaconda hatchlings, expanding its reptilian family. The zoo plans to revamp the enclosure for the growing population.

BJP postpones Odisha unit chief election following a tragic stampede during Rath Yatra in Puri, which claimed three lives and injured over 50. Elections for the state BJP president and national council members from Odisha have been put on hold until further announcement, Balasore MP and state returning officer for the party's organisational poll Pratap Chandra Sarangi said.

Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, will close for tourists from July 1 due to monsoon. The exact date for reopening of the national park would be announced later. However, the ecotourism complex at Jamuani, Gurgudia, Kumari, Barehipani and Ramatirtha will remain open for tourists, the STR field director Prakash Chand Gogineni clarified.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi approves 'Sishu Sebikas' in Sishu Vatikas to support young learners, easing educators' workload and enhancing care for children aged five to six. Sishu Sebikas will play a supportive role in the classroom, helping young children adjust to the learning environment and ensuring their well-being.

IMD forecasts extremely heavy rains in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, and Balasore on June 30, with red alerts issued. Orange and yellow alerts for other districts till July 6. Southwest Monsoon has been active over Odisha and fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea along and off Odisha coast till July 1.