World Leprosy Day: Raising Awareness and Ending Stigma Around the Disease

Kotpad  30th January 2025   World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January every year. . It aims to raise awareness about leprosy and eliminte the stigma surrounding it.  Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The disease mainly affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. . Early detection and treatment can prevent disability and complications.  The day promotes compassion and inclusion for those affected. Many organizations work to provide free treatment and support. Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT). Education and awareness are key to eradicating discrimination. Let us work together to create a leprosy-free world with dignity for all.

Honoring the Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi: A Tribute on His Death Anniversary

Kotpad 30th January 2025. Today, we remember the great soul, Mahatma Gandhi, with deep reverence.  His life was a testament to truth, non-violence, and  unwavering determination.  He led India to independence through the power of peace and perseverance.His ideals continue to inspire millions across the world. Gandhi Ji believed that non-violence is the greatest weapon of the strong.  He dreamt of an India where truth and justice prevailed. His sacrifices for the nation remain unparalleled.  Even in his final moments, he forgave his assassin with “Hey Ram.” His teachings guide us towards a more just and compassionate world. Let us honor his legacy by embracing truth and non-violence in our lives.  His principle of “Be the change you wish to see” remains relevant today.  He championed the rights of the poor and the oppressed. His life was a beacon of hope in times of turmoil.  He taught us that love and tolerance can defeat hatred and division. Today, we bow in gratitude to the Father of the Nation. His message of peace is needed now more than ever.  Let us strive to build a world free from violence and injustice.

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Odisha’s Dominance in Kho Kho: Team Continues Winning Streak at 38th National Games

Kotpad  30th January 2025 Odisha has delivered a spectacular performance at the 38th National Games. On the second day, both the men’s and women’s Kho Kho teams maintained their winning streak. With consecutive victories, Odisha’s Kho Kho teams are advancing with confidence.

Today, on the second day of the National Games, the Odisha men’s Kho Kho team defeated West Bengal, while the Odisha women’s Kho Kho team secured a victory against Gujarat.

Odisha Kho Kho Team’s Dominant Performance

The men’s Kho Kho match between Odisha and West Bengal was played at Chaukhamaba Hall at 10 AM. In the first innings, Odisha led with a score of 20-16. Continuing their strong performance in the second innings, Odisha maintained an edge with a score of 22-14. Ultimately, Odisha secured victory over West Bengal with a final score of 44-28.

Similarly, in the women’s category, Odisha faced Gujarat. The Odisha women’s Kho Kho team dominated and won the match with a score of 26-16.

Winning Streak from Day One

The Odisha Kho Kho teams, in both men’s and women’s categories, had already begun their winning journey on the first day of the 38th National Games. The men’s team had defeated Chhattisgarh in a thrilling match, finishing with a score of 43-34.

Meanwhile, the Odisha women’s Kho Kho team faced Tamil Nadu in their first match and started their campaign with a victory. They defeated Tamil Nadu convincingly with a score of 36-18.

Odisha Rugby Sevens Team Also Triumphs

In the Rugby Sevens event at the 38th National Games, both Odisha’s men’s and women’s teams emerged victorious. The Odisha women’s rugby team defeated Uttarakhand with a staggering score of 57-0, while the men’s team secured a 29-0 win against Bihar.

National Games in Uttarakhand

The 38th edition of the National Games, being held in Uttarakhand, started yesterday (Tuesday) and will continue for 18 days until February 14. Matches will be played across various locations, including Haridwar, Nainital, Haldwani, Rudrapur, Shivpuri, and New Tehri.

Yogi Adityanath Announces Rs25 Lakh Compensation for Families of Deceased in Prayagraj Stampede

Kotpad  30th January 2025  Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a compensation of ₹25  lakh  for each family of the deceased in the recent Maha Kumbh stampede at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya ‘Amrit Snan‘. He has also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident, forming a three-member commission led by former Justice Harsh Kumar, with former Director General of Police VK Gupta and retired IAS officer DK Singh as members.

The stampede resulted in at least 30 fatalities and 60 injuries. Preliminary reports indicate that a massive crowd broke through barricades, leading to the tragic incident. Rescue operations are ongoing, with senior officials assessing the situation in Prayagraj.

Chief Minister Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and emphasized that the judicial commission will thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the disaster. He also directed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to visit Prayagraj to oversee the situation.

Winter Retreats in Odisha: Rising Temperatures and Dense Fog Expected for Two More Days

Kotpad 30th January 2025 As winter gradually departs from Odisha, the effects of heat have begun to spread. Starting tomorrow, temperatures will rise further. From Thursday onwards, heatwaves are expected, and mercury levels will continue to rise across the state. While the temperature is increasing, dense fog is also causing disruptions. Dense fog is expected to persist for the next two days, with some areas experiencing near-zero visibility.

Temperature to Rise:

Winter has almost disappeared from the state, and from tomorrow, heatwaves will intensify. According to the Meteorological Department, the state will experience rising temperatures and increasing heat sensations for the entire week. The mercury level is expected to rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal. For the next 4 to 5 days, both daytime and nighttime temperatures will remain higher than usual. Today, most cities in Odisha recorded a rise in temperature, with some areas already experiencing heat. Over the next 5 to 7 days, the weather will remain predominantly dry, and nighttime temperatures will remain unchanged. While interior Odisha will see a rise in temperature, coastal Odisha is expected to remain stable.

Dense Fog Warning:

While the temperature is increasing, fog continues to create disruptions in the early mornings. From tomorrow onwards, the temperature is expected to rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius, accompanied by intensified heatwaves. Alongside the temperature increase, dense fog will continue to disrupt normal life for the next 48 hours. A yellow warning has been issued for 19 districts due to dense fog for the next 24 hours.

Affected 19 Districts:

Malkangiri

Koraput

Rayagada

Gajapati

Ganjam

Kandhamal

Nayagarh

Khordha

Puri

Jagatsinghpur

Cuttack

Kendrapara

Jajpur

Dhenkanal

Angul

Keonjhar

Mayurbhanj

Deogarh

Sambalpur

Warning for Tomorrow:

Tomorrow, dense fog will affect 11 districts, including Gajapati, Ganjam, Khordha, Nayagarh, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Angul, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj. A yellow warning has been issued for these districts, where visibility will range between 50 to 200 meters. The Meteorological Department has advised people to be cautious while traveling. Additionally, light to moderate fog is expected in Balasore, Bhadrak, Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Sundargarh districts, particularly in the early morning hours.

Heatwaves to Intensify in Two Days; Coastal Odisha to Scorch

After two days, heatwaves will intensify across the state, significantly affecting coastal Odisha.

Dense Fog to Persist for Three More Days; Warning Issued for 14 Districts

Temperature Updates:

In the past 24 hours, G. Udayagiri recorded the lowest temperature at 9.6°C, while Rourkela recorded 10.0°C in the plains.

Revolutionary Firefighting: Fire Bullet Bike and Robot Arrive in Jaipur to Combat Fires

Kotpad  30th January 2025  For the first time, a fire bullet bike along with a monitoring robot has arrived in Jaipur to extinguish fires. Along with the fire bullet bike, a monitoring robot has also been deployed for fire emergencies. The bike is designed to navigate through narrow lanes and reach fire incidents quickly. The monitoring robot will help assess fire situations and assist firefighters remotely. These modern firefighting tools aim to reduce response time and improve safety. The fire bullet bike is equipped with essential firefighting gear and water jets. The robot can enter hazardous areas where human access is difficult. Authorities believe this innovation will significantly enhance fire disaster management. Jaipur’s fire department is training personnel to operate the new equipment effectively. Citizens appreciate this step towards advanced fire safety and quicker emergency response.

Nation Commemorates Parakram Diwas: A Tribute to India’s Brave Warriors

Kotpad  30th January 2025  The Parakram Diwas celebration is being organized at the Barabati    In Cuttack from the 23rd to the 25th. Honorable Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the festival. On this occasion, Honorable Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Prabhati Parida, esteemed Member of Parliament from Cuttack Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, and other distinguished personalities were present.

Cuttack City Set for Major Expansion: 102 Villages to Join CDA Jurisdiction

Kotpad  30th January 2025  Cuttack city is set to expand further, with the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) boundaries merging with 102 villages. These villages, located between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, have been proposed for inclusion under CDA. The proposal has already been submitted to the state government. Villages from the Banki and Cuttack Sadar constituencies will now become part of the city. Previously, 287 villages had already been integrated into the city limits. Now, with this expansion, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and CDA boundaries will become one, as confirmed by CDA Vice-Chairman Anam Charan Patra.

CDA Expansion Plan

A total of 102 villages from five tehsils—Kantapada, Damapada, Athagarh, Salepur, and Nischintakoili—will be merged into CDA. This expansion will significantly increase CDA’s jurisdiction, bringing uniformity to the development zones. Earlier, 287 villages were already included under CDA, and with this new integration, the total will rise further. The Authority meeting recently approved this proposal, according to Vice-Chairman Anam Charan Patra.

Regions to be Included in CDA

Vice-Chairman Anam Charan Patra stated, “A master plan has been prepared for the areas to be merged into CDA. This plan will determine how development projects will be carried out in these regions. There will no longer be any gap between CDA and BDA, as both development authorities will now have a unified boundary.”

A survey is currently underway to include some remaining villages from Bayalis Mouza and certain villages from Salepur tehsil under CDA. The integration process is ongoing, and the authorities are working to ensure seamless urban expansion.