News from Bhubaneswar

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, led by Mayor Sulochana Das, launched a three-year stray dog sterilisation drive to manage over 70,000 stray dogs. The initiative aims to sterilise 2,000 dogs monthly with support from the Vets Society for Animal Welfare & Rural Development.

The IMD forecasts thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds across Odisha till May 20, issuing Orange and Yellow Warnings. Residents are advised to take precautions during rain and lightning activities as several districts will be affected. The State awaits first round of pre-monsoon showers.

EOW confiscates BJD leader Raja Chakra's 11-acre farmhouse in Keonjhar over a land dispute, as Orissa HC rejects his bail plea. Legal proceedings began following the discovery of illegal occupation on government land. Around 7.4 acres were illicitly occupied government land.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declares unseasonal rainfall a State-Specific Disaster in Odisha, allowing affected farmers access to SDRF support. Approximately 22,791 hectares were damaged last December, impacting around 6,66,000 farmers.

The IMD predicts Kalbaisakhi rains with lightning in Odisha from this weekend. Relief expected from intense heat. IMD issued an Orange Warning in some districts for tomorrow and a Yellow Warning from May 16 to May 19. State awaits the first round of pre-monsoon showers.

Political tensions rise in Odisha as the State Cabinet grants 11.25% reservation for SEBCs in general education, sparking criticism from BJD and Congress leaders. A historic decision has been taken and SEBC students will benefit from this during admissions, says Higher Education Minister.

Construction starts on Jupiter Tatravagonka's advanced railway wheelset facility in Odisha, set to boost India's self-reliance and create jobs by 2027.

Senior BJD leader Munna Khan reportedly resigned as coordinator of the BJD Minority Cell Southern Zone. His visit to Naveen Nivas and submission of resignation to chief Naveen Patnaik hints at discontent over Waqf Bill voting.

The Odisha CM's Grievance Cell, led by Mohan Charan Majhi, will temporarily relocate to Mandal Sadhan Kendra, Ashok Nagar. A new building project with an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore aims to improve accessibility and efficiency. Temporary services continue in tents until completion.

The Odisha Cabinet has merged the MAMATA scheme with PMMVY to enhance maternal benefits. Pregnant women will receive Rs 12,000 for a girl child. Anganwadi worker incentives increased. MAMATA scheme in convergence with PMMVY has been co-branded as ‘MAMATA-PMMVY’.

Odisha's new policy lets MPs/MLAs suggest 15 teachers' transfers, sparking political debates. Critics fear corruption; BJD, Congress raise concerns. Education Minister Nityananda Gond defends the move. BJD-led government had previously initiated a policy allowing the recommendation of up to 10 transfers.

A motorcyclist died in a collision with an 'Ama Bus' vehicle on Balianta-Nimapada-Gop canal road near Niali. Another sustained injuries and was hospitalised in critical condition. The incident occurred while two ‘Ama Bus’ vehicles were overtaking each other. A detailed probe is underway.

Odisha's Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari announces a plan to reclaim unused industrial land for genuine investors, ensuring responsible and transparent land use. District Collectors must submit reports within two months.

Thunderstorm with lightning with gusty surface wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph very likely to occur in the afternoon/evening hours at one or two places over the districts of Nabarangapur, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam.

The Odisha Government invites applications for District Programme Coordinators under MAMATA Scheme in Kalahandi, Keonjhar, and Rayagada. The contractual roles require postgraduates with five years' experience.