News from Bhubaneswar

A tragic fire in Kolkata's Mechuapatti claimed 14 lives, including four from Odisha. Victims Manoj Patra, Dushmant Kumar Nayak, and Dushmant Kumar Swain hailed from Jagatsinghpur; businessman Rajesh Santuka belonged to CDA locality in Cuttack.

Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) cancelled the Anthropology Paper I and II exams held on April 27 and rescheduled them for May 14, after candidates raised concerns about an alleged overlap in question papers during the optional written examinations.

IMD forecasts hailstorms, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds in Odisha districts on April 30-May 1. Advises safe shelters and crop protection. No large change is likely in the Maximum (day) temperature during the next three days, and thereafter a gradual rise by 2°C-4°C is expected during the subsequent four days.

Thousands of EBC students in Odisha are missing from the RTE quota despite valid documents. Allegations suggest names were removed from the 'RTE-Paradarshi' portal, sparking protests at OSEPA. Out of nearly 8,000 applications, more than 5,000 students have not been allocated seats.

Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a Rs 10 hike in daily wages for various worker categories, effective April 1, 2025. The Chief Minister’s decision is likely to bring some financial relief to thousands of workers across the State. Check details here.

Farmers in Odisha face severe water shortages as Chhattisgarh retains water at Kalma Barrage, impacting the Mahanadi. Despite Kalma Barrage having 66 gates, water is predominantly channelled through just one. Talks continue to resolve this inter-state dispute.

Controversy arises over a new Lord Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal, with Puri servitors opposing its consecration. Allegedly, the choice of stone idols (contrary to Daru Brahma) for the temple has prompted debate, given the traditional use of wooden idols of the deities in Puri.

Odia Jatra actress Sonali Panda petitions Orissa High Court over police inaction on her FIR against Shreekhetra for abduction and forced marriage. Tulasi Gananatya is at the centre of a controversy after Shreekhetra accused its owner, Anant Narayan Dhal, alias Nandu Babu, of kidnapping his wife and forcing her to leave his family.

Complaints have surfaced from various regions indicating that some private institutions are still conducting classes, ignoring both the Odisha government’s directive and the health risks posed to students.

Odisha government is to introduce 'Jadupedi' kits in 45,000 schools to enhance early education. Developed by NCERT, these kits aim to engage preschoolers through playful learning. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi witnessed a demonstration of the kits.

The Ayushman Bharat scheme aims to provide cashless and quality healthcare to the economically weaker sections, and the state government is closely monitoring its proper implementation.

The IMD forecasts thunderstorms with lightning, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall across several Odisha districts. This offers relief from the current heat wave affecting many regions.

In Baramunda Dalit Sahi, Bhubaneswar, a 22-year-old named Rahul Gochhayat dies under mysterious circumstances. His family alleges love-related emotional pressure led to his demise.

IMD forecasts heavy rainfall across Odisha until May 2, affecting districts like Mayurbhanj and Balasore. Orange warnings issued as hailstorms are expected.

Concerns rise over delay in the State's probe into a Nepali student's death at KIIT. NHRC faults negligence, with Orissa High Court set to review directives on April 29 (tomorrow). The government does not want to take the probe casually in the context of KIIT University, Higher Education Minister said.