News from Bhubaneswar

Senior bureaucrat Saswata Mishra, a 1996 Batch IAS officer, presently Finance Department Principal Secretary with additional charge of IDCO Chairman has been appointed as the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Odisha. In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle following the Rath Yatra stampede in Puri, Odisha government has appointed senior IAS officer Chanchal Rana as new Collector for the district, signaling a swift administrative response.

Terming the incident as deeply painful and unacceptable, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has directed the Development Commissioner to conduct an in-depth administrative inquiry to identify lapses and ensure accountability.

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan admitted negligence in managing the Rath Yatra crowd at Saradhabali, Puri, leading to a stampede that killed three and injured over 50. The government promises strict action against those responsible.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi apologizes to Jagannath devotees after a tragic stampede during Rath Yatra, orders probe and promises strict action against lapses in crowd control.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is expected to gradually move in a west-northwestward direction. Over the course of the next 48 hours, it is likely to traverse through northern Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of Jharkhand.

IMD issues orange and yellow warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Odisha due to a cyclonic circulation over southwest Bangladesh, affecting several districts till July 4, 2025.

As per the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME 2024 Report), India achieved a 78% decline in the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) surpassing the global reduction of 61% and 70% decline in the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) compared to 54% globally during 1990 - 2023.

Odisha's farmers, including Aparti Pradhan and Ranjan Kumar Nayak, are breaking stereotypes by innovating in agriculture, inspiring their communities and transforming rural economies with crops like broom grass and lotus flowers.

The Mohan Majhi-led BJP government in Odisha is poised for major reshuffles and strategic moves post-Rath Yatra, including cabinet expansion and filling key party and administrative positions. A cabinet expansion is imminent, and appointments for vacant leadership positions in boards and corporations are also in the pipeline.

The sacred town of Puri witnessed divine rains during the Pahandi Bije ritual, as Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Mahaprabhu Jagannath embarked on their journey to Gundicha Temple, enveloping devotees in devotion.

Odisha Govt hikes one-time cessation benefit for ad-hoc employees to Rs 2.5 Lakh, approved by CM Mohan Majhi, enhancing financial aid ahead of Rath Yatra. Those temporary employees who have worked for more than five years in a regular post will receive the minimum cessation benefit of Rs 2.5 lakh upon retirement.

Odisha's Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announces a campaign to eradicate ganja cultivation, focusing on tribal areas and offering alternative livelihoods.

IMD predicts a low-pressure area over northwest Bay of Bengal, affecting Odisha and West Bengal with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in several districts.

A father and son in Mayurbhanj district succumbed to snakebites, highlighting a surge in such incidents during monsoon. Experts advise immediate medical attention and precautions to avoid encounters. The first three to four hours after a snake bite are critical for administering treatment. If bitten, get medical help immediately, preferably within the ‘Golden Period’ of treatment.

Odisha is revising its EV Policy to target 50% BEV registrations by 2036, with current EV registration at 8.71%. The state plans to enhance incentives and expand charging infrastructure. The EV vehicle registration is on rise. This marks a significant step from the 1.16 percent EV registration in 2021 to the current 8.71 percent as of June 20, 2025.