News from Bhubaneswar

The Odisha government has advised banks to start sending SMS alerts in Odia to make banking services and welfare benefits more accessible to people across the state. 

Odisha’s Angul town has once again earned national recognition for its efforts to improve air quality, securing the third position in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2025 under the category of cities with less than three lakh population. 

The city’s public Wi-Fi project, Bhubaneswar Me, is set for a major expansion with plans to extend the service to universities, colleges, and busy public spaces after limited usage at existing hotspots.

In a bid to ensure transparency and accountability in housing programmes, the Odisha government has decided to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify ineligible beneficiaries of state and central housing schemes, said Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water department minister, Rabi Narayan Naik on Wednesday.

In a decisive push towards sustainable mobility, the Odisha government has unveiled the draft Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2025, setting ambitious targets to phase out fossil fuel-based vehicles from government operations and accelerate EV adoption across the state.

The project will cover nearly 800 acres of land across Gothapatna, Malipada, and Daspur, and is envisioned as a multi-economic growth zone aligned with the state’s long-term vision Vikshit Odisha 2036. 

Senior leader Amar Prasad Satpathy has sparked speculation of a major political shake-up by hinting at the formation of a "new BJD". Amid rising dissent within the party, Satpathy criticised the current leadership for straying from core ideologies and losing grassroots support. His comments follow recent exits and cryptic statements suggesting a parallel movement may soon emerge.

Following rising concerns over exclusions from the Subhadra Yojana, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida assured that no eligible woman will be left out of the scheme's benefits. A high-level review revealed issues like missing documentation and outdated data. The government now plans field verification and will rely on Health Department records to ensure rightful beneficiaries are covered.

After evicting outsiders from illegally occupied hostels, Utkal University authorities have now turned their attention to encroached staff quarters on campus.

In a bid to ensure smooth functioning of the upcoming Odisha Assembly session, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has issued strict instructions prohibiting senior government officials from undertaking foreign trips, outstation visits, or even convening meetings outside their headquarters during the week-long session.

BJP Odisha president Manmohan Samal on Wednesday clarified that decisions regarding cabinet expansion and appointments in state-run corporations will be taken at the right time. Returning from Delhi, Samal said that no discussions were held in the national capital regarding these appointments. 

A crucial review meeting of the Subhadra Yojana is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, with discussions expected on the inclusion of beneficiaries who were previously left out of the scheme.

Indian Railways has announced that the Bhubaneswar–Rourkela Intercity Superfast Express (Train Nos 22840/22839) will remain cancelled in both directions on September 10, 2025, owing to the late arrival of link rakes.

Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced that eligible women previously left out of the Subhadra Yojana may soon be included. A crucial review meeting will assess verified data from key departments to ensure rightful beneficiaries are added. The move aims to uphold the scheme’s integrity and ensure no eligible woman is deprived of her entitlement.

High tension unfolded at Utkal University as students gheraoed the Vice-Chancellor, demanding eviction of illegal occupants from staff quarters and nearby slums. The protest erupted after non-students were evicted from hostels. Students pressed for campus safety and academic integrity. Legal procedures are being followed, but the situation remains volatile.