News from Bhubaneswar

Odisha's Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari reaffirms the State's claim over Kotia region in Koraput district, announcing plans to revive the legal battle in Supreme Court and to prepare a strategic development roadmap for the residents. Kotia is an integral part of Odisha, the Minister asserted.

Odisha reports 7 new COVID-19 cases, totaling 30 active cases, with Khordha and Cuttack most affected. Govt to issue revised guidelines soon.

Odisha's new teacher transfer quota policy, limiting transfers to 15 per MLA, has sparked a political storm with opposition BJD alleging favoritism and teachers demanding changes. Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati went a step further, calling the decision “unjust and politically dangerous."

Odisha's Drugs Control and STF raided Bhubaneswar's Unit-1 Market, seizing counterfeit cosmetics under top brands, amid reports of skin issues from unsuspecting users. Traders dealing in unbilled transactions may be the key link in distributing counterfeit items.

Ration cardholders in Odisha must complete e-KYC verification by June 2025 to avoid disqualification from PDS benefits, as stated by Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra. The overwhelming public response is being seen as a sign of renewed trust in the new government.

A joint raid by Drugs Inspector and STF in Bhubaneswar's Unit-1 Market seized illegal tobacco products from five shops, targeting unlicensed sales and youth addiction concerns.

A string of ATM shutdowns in Khordha district has left customers and service providers distressed. Dozens of machines are being deliberately disabled at the start of each month, sparking suspicions of a large-scale tampering racket targeting pensioners and salaried citizens.

Odisha's quasi-judicial bodies, including the Women's Commission, Child Rights Commission, and Lokayukta, remain leaderless, leaving victims of domestic violence and corruption without recourse. Over 11,000 complaints are pending due to administrative voids.

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has urged officials to transform tehsil offices into people-friendly service hubs. Speaking at a state-level revenue officers’ conference, he emphasized citizen-first service, resolving landlessness, and implementing the ‘Odisha Vision 2036-2047’ document with focused urgency.

At a presser, Odisha Police DGP informed that the incident occurred on May 27, and subsequently, efforts were intensified with assistance from their Jharkhand counterparts.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi to distribute appointment letters to 826 newly recruited PGTs on June 6 at Nijukti Mela, addressing teacher shortages and enhancing education quality. Odisha’s S&ME Minister Nityananda Gond had earlier announced on March 28 that the Government will soon recruit 10,000 more teachers.

The only respite that seems to be on the cards is the possibility of rain and thunderstorm activities in some pockets of the state during the next few days.

Crime Branch STF and Drugs Inspector seized banned gutkha and nicotine products in Bhubaneswar's Unit 1 market, highlighting ongoing enforcement challenges.

Odia Jatra actor Sanjay Bhola banned by Odisha Masters’ Association over plagiarism allegations, plans to start his own troupe amidst ongoing industry disputes. OMA president Bijay Das stated that any group associating with Bhola would face a boycott from directors, musicians, and writers linked with the association.

One worker died and two were critically injured after a roof collapsed during house renovation in Bhubaneswar's Pokhariput-Lingaraj Vihar. Rescue teams saved two workers, now in serious condition. Detailed investigation is underway to determine whether safety protocols were followed during the construction activity or not.