Boss Wallah Acquires ffreedom App to Boost Bharat Entrepreneurs
Bhumika Lenka business
Boss Wallah Acquires ffreedom App to Boost Bharat Entrepreneurs

Hyderabad, February 2025: Boss Wallah, an entity founded by investor and serial entrepreneur Sashi Reddi, has entered into a formal agreement with Suvision Holdings Private Limited to acquire its edtech platform ffreedom app. Besides the livelihood educational content of ffreedom, Boss Wallah’s platform will provide access to thousands of experts in multiple businesses. This addresses a massive gap in the market to provide resources for aspiring entrepreneurs from tier 2 and tier 3 towns to build a successful business.

“There are dozens of platforms for JEE and government exams. But what India needs is people looking to build businesses that provide employment and earn an income. That is what the Boss Wallah platform will do,” stated Sashi Reddi, Founder & CEO of Boss Wallah.

With an initial investment of $7 million (around Rs. 60 crores) from Sashi Reddi and associates, Boss Wallah expects to provide a comprehensive platform that will enable thousands of entrepreneurs to acquire the skills and get the advice they need to start and grow a business.

The initial focus of the platform is in a dozen categories including digital businesses, home-based businesses, small scale manufacturing, handicrafts, farming, animal husbandry, retail, and food businesses. These are the kinds of businesses which can be built without much capital investment and employing 2-3 people to generate a great income in a small town without having to relocate to the metros.

FTCCI Welcomes Industry Leaders for Insightful Session on Doing Business in Dubai
Neel Achary business
FTCCI Welcomes Industry Leaders for Insightful Session on Doing Business in Dubai

Hyderabad,01st March 2025: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) organized an Interactive Session on Doing Business in Dubai at its premises in Red Hills on Friday evening Mr. Bassel Bitar, Regional Representative for Asia & Eastern Europe, DMCC; and Mr. Siddharth Shah, India Head, DMCC IRO of DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities […]

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IOB Housing Loan Interest Certificate Now Available on DigiLocker
Bhumika Lenka news
IOB Housing Loan Interest Certificate Now Available on DigiLocker

Chennai, 1st March 2025: In yet another stride towards enhancing digital accessibility and customer convenience, Indian Overseas Bank has introduced a new facility on the DigiLocker app and website. Indian Overseas Bank customers can now seamlessly download their housing loan interest certificate directly from DigiLocker by simply entering their housing loan account number and selecting the relevant financial year without the hassle of visiting a branch.

  1.  Open the DigiLocker app or visit the DigiLocker website.
  2.  Log in with your credentials.
  3.  Navigate to the Indian Overseas Bank
  4.  Enter your Housing Loan Account Number and select the Financial Year.
  5.  Download the Housing Loan Interest Certificate instantly.

This latest initiative underscores the bank’s unwavering commitment to technological innovation and customer-centric digital services.

Commenting on this initiative, Shri Ajay Kumar Srivastava, MD & CEO of Indian Overseas Bank, said, “At IOB, we are committed to enhancing our digital offerings to provide a seamless banking experience. The integration of Housing Loan Interest Certificate downloads on DigiLocker is a step forward in making banking more accessible, secure, and convenient for our customers. We will continue to introduce more such digital solutions in the future.”

With this launch, Indian Overseas Bank has now made FOUR key financial documents accessible via DigiLocker. Customers already benefit from the ability to generate Savings and Loan Account Statements, as well as download Form 16 for depositors. The addition of the Housing Loan Interest Certificate further enhances the suite of digital services, making financial documentation retrieval easier, faster, and more secure.

DigiLocker, an initiative by the Government of India under the Digital India program, provides a secure and efficient way for users to access important documents anytime, anywhere. By integrating its services with DigiLocker, Indian Overseas Bank is ensuring that customers can retrieve their essential financial documents without the hassle of visiting a branch or handling physical paperwork. This digital integration not only saves time but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing paper consumption.

The availability of multiple essential documents on DigiLocker is a testament to Indian Overseas Bank’s commitment to offering seamless digital banking solutions to its valued customers. With this latest initiative, Indian Overseas Bank continues to redefine banking convenience by ensuring customers have a seamless and efficient banking experience

Legendary Odia Actor Uttam Mohanty Passes Away, Film Industry Mourns
Rabindra Sahu news
Legendary Odia Actor Uttam Mohanty Passes Away, Film Industry Mourns

Bhubaneswar: Veteran Odia film actor Uttam Mohanty is no more. He passed away while undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, Delhi. He was suffering from liver cirrhosis. At the time of his demise, he was 67 years old. His passing has cast a shadow of grief over the Odia film industry.

Uttam Mohanty acted not only in Odia films but also in Bengali and Hindi cinema. He made his acting debut in 1977 with the film Abhiman, directed by Sadhu Meher. Over his career, he appeared in more than 130 films. With his impeccable and artistic acting, he carved out a distinct place for himself in Ollywood and dominated Odia cinema in the 1980s.

Some of his superhit films include Udandi Sita, Danda Balunga, Jordaar Mulak Taar, Dekha Khabar Rakha Najara, Lakshman Rekha, Sei Jhiati, and Paradesi Chadhei. He also acted in 30 Bengali films and played the lead role in the Hindi movie Naya Jahar.

For his outstanding acting, he was honored with several awards, including the State Film Award and the prestigious Jayadev Award. His role in Danda Balunga made him a household name. He married Ollywood actress Aparajita in 1987. From 1982 to 1984, he received the Best Actor award from the state government for three consecutive years.

Student Falls Asleep in Exam Hall, Leaves Invigilators Surprised
Rabindra Sahu news
Student Falls Asleep in Exam Hall, Leaves Invigilators Surprised

Rayagada: A peculiar incident occurred at Kashipur High School’s 10th-grade exam center when a student came to take the exam but ended up falling asleep in the hall. During the mathematics exam, while other students were writing answers on their answer sheets, this particular student lay down and dozed off, sparking discussion.

The exam supervisor noticed the student sleeping and informed the school authorities, who then reported the matter to the superintendent. For a while, teachers and invigilators were left puzzled. The student, who belongs to the local Kashipur area, was later taken to a nearby health center.

After waking up, doctors examined the student but found no signs of any illness. It was later revealed that he had attended the Shivaratri festival the previous night and suffered from sleep deprivation, leading to him falling asleep in the exam hall.

Headmaster Lochan Khara stated that in Rayagada district, Shivaratri fairs are celebrated for three to four days, and many students tend to forget about their exams while enjoying the festivities. District Education Officer Ramchandra Nahak emphasized that students should focus on their future instead of getting too engrossed in the fair.

Ganga Aarti at Mahanadi Ghat in Samaleswari Temple Suspended
Rabindra Sahu news
Ganga Aarti at Mahanadi Ghat in Samaleswari Temple Suspended

Samaleswari: A dedicated ghat was constructed at the Mahanadi River near Samaleswari Temple to conduct Aarti, similar to the Ganga Aarti. However, after a grand inauguration before the elections as part of the Samaleswari Project, the Aarti was performed for a few days and then discontinued. This has led to dissatisfaction among locals and visiting devotees.

An Aarti ghat, overbridge, and other structures were built near the Samaleswari Temple ghat. A plan was also made to conduct daily Aarti like the one at the Ganga River. However, it has remained non-functional for over a year. Now, the Samaleswari Trust Board has begun preparations to restart the Aarti in a new form. The Trust Board has decided to resume the Mahanadi Aarti soon, as informed by Trust Board Chairman Sanjay Babu. Since Mahanadi is considered Odisha’s lifeline, the Aarti holds great significance.

Disappointment Among Devotees

The Samaleswari Temple, dedicated to the presiding deity of Western Odisha, attracts many devotees. After visiting the temple, devotees often go to the riverfront to view the Mahanadi. Under the Samaleswari Project, a 350-meter-long Aarti Mandap was built along with gallery arrangements for devotees. Additionally, a separate pathway was constructed from the temple to various ghats of the Mahanadi.

Notably, the transformation project of Samaleswari Temple and its Parikrama (circumambulatory) plan was inaugurated on January 27 last year with a four-day-long celebration. During those days, the Mahanadi Aarti was performed every evening, drawing huge crowds of devotees. However, after its discontinuation, devotees have expressed frustration and disappointment.

MLA Joins Devotees in Visit to Ghumareshwar Shaiva Peetha
Rabindra Sahu news
MLA Joins Devotees in Visit to Ghumareshwar Shaiva Peetha

Tentulikhunti, Nabarangpur: The Maha Shivaratri festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Ghumareshwar Shaiva Peetha in Khadiguma Panchayat, Tentulikhunti block, Nabarangpur district, as it is every year. Thousands of devotees visited the Shaiva Peetha to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Rituals began at 4 AM and concluded at 9 PM with the Maha Deepa ceremony.

Nabarangpur MLA Gaurishankar Majhi visited the Ghumareshwar Shaiva Peetha, offered prayers, and interacted with committee members and devotees. Several prominent local figures, including Nilagalan Monju Sarpanch Malamehan Dalapati, Anchal Gumpha Mandal President Abhimanyu Harijan, General Secretary Debdas Mahalud, Mandal representatives Surya Narayan Randhari, Sudhir Bishoyi, and Dhabaluma Tripathi Bishoyi, were present at the event.

The MLA expressed his satisfaction with the arrangements made by the temple committee and volunteers for ensuring a smooth and well-organized festival. This year, the Nabarangpur Amarnath Seva Sangha organized Anna Prasad (free meal distribution) for devotees, with approximately 10,000 devotees partaking in the meal. The temple administration provided essential services, including drinking water, lighting, crowd management, and first aid for devotees.

The Health Department, Electricity Department, Fire Department, and Police Administration played a crucial role in ensuring the festival’s smooth conduct, for which the temple committee expressed gratitude to all involved.

Similar Maha Shivaratri celebrations were observed at various Shiva temples in Tentulikhunti block, including Lingaraj Temple, Lamataguda Shiva Temple, Sarpamundeshwar Temple, Metri, Dhandara, Patra Puta, Kantagaon, Amala Jatta, Kangu Majhi Guda, Gatiput, and Kapura Samand Shiva Temple, drawing thousands of devotees.

Roadblock Causes Hardship for Passengers and Matric Examinees
Rabindra Sahu news
Roadblock Causes Hardship for Passengers and Matric Examinees

Rayagada: Passengers traveling on National Highway 326 (Rayagada-Koraput), particularly near Gumma Ghat under Rayagada Sadar Police Station, frequently face difficulties due to accidents and heavy vehicles getting stuck on the road.

On Wednesday, a trailer carrying a transformer lost balance and overturned at a crucial turning point, blocking the road. As a result, traffic remained halted for eight hours. It was only after relentless efforts that the transformer was cleared from the road, restoring normal traffic flow. However, before the night was over, another large vehicle got stuck at the same spot on Thursday morning due to the fallen transformer, once again leading to a traffic jam for eight hours.

According to locals, the incident occurred when a heavy goods vehicle traveling from Rayagada towards Koraput got stuck due to the transformer lying on the roadside. The stranded vehicle caused major disruptions, affecting the movement of buses, cars, and other four-wheelers, while bikes dangerously navigated their way underneath the stuck vehicle to cross the blocked section.

The roadblock also caused severe inconvenience to Matriculation examinees, who were on their way to various high schools for their board exams. Several passenger buses and heavy vehicles remained stranded on both sides of Gumma Ghat. Eventually, Rayagada police and Kumbhikota police arrived at the spot and worked to remove the stuck vehicle, restoring traffic flow around 2 PM in the afternoon.

Frequent Traffic Problems Spark Public Discontent

The persistent traffic congestion at Gumma Ghat has led to growing dissatisfaction among passengers and locals. The National Highway 326 serves as the primary route connecting Rayagada to Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and even neighboring Andhra Pradesh. Many industrial establishments in the undivided Koraput district depend on this highway.

Due to multiple sharp turns in Gumma Ghat, heavy vehicle movement frequently results in traffic disruptions and accidents. Although district road safety committee meetings are held regularly, no precautionary road safety measures, such as warning signboards, have been installed at the accident-prone areas of Gumma Ghat. As a result, drivers from other states, unfamiliar with the sharp turns, often become victims of accidents.

Poor Quality? Rs22 Lakh Road Work Deteriorates in Just Half a Year
Rabindra Sahu news
Poor Quality? Rs22 Lakh Road Work Deteriorates in Just Half a Year

Nabarangpur: The road work, completed just six months ago, has already deteriorated. The Nabarangpur Municipality had spent ₹22 lakh to construct a paver block road from Dashaharapada Sahi to Podalaguda. However, within six months, the road has completely worn out. Due to public complaints, all the paver blocks have now been removed, leaving the road in worse condition than a dirt road, according to locals.

Before this, the road was a dirt path, and residents are questioning why it was not properly paved instead of using paver blocks. This road is crucial for Podalaguda residents and others traveling to Nabarangpur city, but its poor condition has caused significant inconvenience. The issue has led to public dissatisfaction, with locals blaming poor construction quality by the Municipality for the rapid deterioration.

With the monsoon approaching, residents fear that transportation will become impossible and are demanding immediate reconstruction. The Municipality had allocated ₹22 lakh for just 325 meters of road construction and assigned the contract accordingly. Initially, residents were relieved to see the paver block road replacing the damaged pathway, but within six months, the blocks started coming off.

Now, officials have promised that the road will be rebuilt, but in the meantime, all paver blocks have been removed, making travel difficult. Motorists and pedestrians are struggling, as dust clouds from the deteriorated road are causing breathing issues. Despite repeated complaints from residents, no action has been taken by the Municipality.

Instead of addressing the poor construction quality, officials are blaming heavy vehicle traffic for the damage. This has fueled public outrage, with residents demanding immediate intervention from municipal authorities for reconstructing the road without further delay.

New Pension Scheme Primary Teachers’ Association Holds Crucial Meeting
Rabindra Sahu news
New Pension Scheme Primary Teachers’ Association Holds Crucial Meeting

Dabugaon: A meeting of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) Primary Teachers’ Association was held in Dabugaon, Odisha, at the LAMS godown premises on Sunday. The meeting was attended by several teachers working under the Dabugaon block, where various issues faced by the teachers were discussed.

As the tenure of the previous committee had ended, the committee was dissolved, and a new block-level committee was formed. The newly elected members include:

President: Mohan Singh Gand

Executive President: Mangaraj Majhi

Vice President: Girishbala Jena

Secretary: Hiranmay Majhi

Joint Secretary: Raju Harijan

Treasurer: Ajit Sadangi

The newly appointed office bearers took the oath of office during the …