Cuttack: Automated Testing Stations (ATS) will be set up in 21 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the state. These centers will conduct vehicle fitness tests and issue fitness certificates. The entire process will be carried out through a computerized system. The tender process has been completed, and private companies have been assigned responsibilities. Approximately ₹60 crore has been allocated for this initiative. According to the…
Thousands of Tube Wells Vanish, Rayagada Hill Tribes Struggle for Water
Rayagada: As summer begins, a severe water crisis has emerged in Rayagada district. People in 11 blocks are struggling to access drinking water. The much-awaited Mega Water Project has failed to provide adequate water supply, leaving residents disappointed. In the hilly areas, where tube wells were once a reliable source, most have now stopped working. Major water sources in the district have dried up, and…
Pujariaguda School Hosts Grand Annual Function with Enthusiastic Participation
Chandahandi: The annual function of Pujariaguda Government High School, located in Chandahandi Block, was successfully celebrated. The event was presided over by Principal Babudhar Sahu. Distinguished guests on the occasion included Mohara Sarpanch Jalandhar Majhi, Block Vice Chairman Basudev Gauda, Mohara Cluster Coordinator M. Vigneshwar Acharya, and School Management Committee President Basudev Tolotia, among others. As part of the celebration, an exhibition titled “Our Culture,…
Rising Mobile Addiction: 60 Juveniles Caught in Three Months
Rayagada The rise in mobile theft in Rayagada district has become a serious concern for the police. Investigations have revealed that many juveniles are involved in these thefts. Psychologists suggest that the obsession with mobile phones among children aged 10 to 12 is a major reason behind these thefts. In tribal-dominated and economically backward areas of Rayagada, children from poor families are resorting to theft…
MIGDHA Launches Eco-Friendly Herbal Colors for a Safe and Vibrant Holi
Rayagada: To promote an eco-friendly and sustainable celebration, the Horticulture and Agriculture Department of MITU Institute of Professional Studies, Rayagada, has prepared herbal colors for Holi. These environmentally friendly colors were innovatively created by sixth-semester biotechnology students as part of their curriculum on post-harvest management, fruit and vegetable value addition. The initiative highlights the importance of using natural, skin-safe, and non-toxic alternatives instead of synthetic…
Annual Festival 2025 to Showcase Hidden Talents Across Diverse Fields
Jharigaon, The event saw the presence of Government Degree College Principal Andria Sabar, retired Hindi teacher Bishnuch Sahu, CRCC Kshamanidhi Harijan, and “Mo School Abhiyan” chairman Sushant Kumar Sahu. The guests shared their views on education, self-reliance, and the effective use of hidden talent. Before this, outstanding participants in various competitions were awarded. Cultural Program by Students The 57th Annual Festival of Jharigaon Government Nodal Panchayat…
Congress Stages Protest Against 7-Day Suspension of Taraprasad Bahinipati
Bhubaneswar: The Congress party has strongly protested the 7-day suspension of senior legislator Taraprasad Bahinipati. In response, party legislators boycotted the assembly and staged a sit-in beneath the Gandhi statue within the assembly premises. Bahinipati stated that he raised his voice for women’s safety, highlighting that in the past eight months, hundreds of women have gone missing, and minors have become pregnant. He mentioned that…
Traditional Kalasi Mandei Festival to Be Celebrated in Raighar This April
Raighar A preparatory meeting was held today for the upcoming Maa Kalasi Thakurani Mandei Festival, which is set to take place this year in the Raighar block of Nabarangpur district. The meeting was organized at the premises of Maa Kalasi Thakurani Temple, with key local leaders and community members in attendance. Prominent attendees included village heads (Gaontias) Kamalsingh Rajput of Raighar, Sudarshan Majhi of Ganjapara, Indal…
BJP Reportedly Weighing Options to Delay 2027 Panchayat Elections
Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly considering strategies to postpone the Panchayat elections scheduled for 2027. This move aims to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence before the 2029 general elections. Currently, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) holds significant control over local governance structures, including approximately 80% of positions such as Sarpanchs, Block Chairpersons, District Council Presidents, Councilors, Corporators, NAC and Municipal Chairpersons, and…
Farmers Unite! Maa Pestrani Agro Associates Union Formed in Umarkote
Umarkote:A meeting was organized at Maa Penduni Kalyani Mandap near Ram Mandir in Umarkote, bringing together 124 fertilizer, seed, and pesticide traders from Umarkote, Chandahandi, Raighar, and Jharigaon blocks. During the meeting, discussions were held on the issues faced by both farmers and traders, including the difficulties in sourcing quality agricultural inputs. The participants talked about ways to eliminate counterfeit seeds and fertilizers, ensuring that…
Truck Catches Fire After Electric Shock in Gurudijhatia, No Casualties Reported
Gurudijhatia: A truck caught fire this morning after coming into contact with a high-voltage electric wire. The incident occurred near Raja Athagarh Railway Station under Khuntuni Police Station limits. Fortunately, the truck driver managed to escape unharmed. Reportedly, the incident took place near the mental goods storage area close to Raja Athagarh Railway Station. While unloading metal from the truck, negligence led to its contact…
Passengers Suffer as Bus Stand Lacks Drinking Water Facility
Nabarangpur: As the summer heat intensifies, the temperature in Nabarangpur has now reached 36°C. People from 10 blocks and 2 urban areas are gathering in the district headquarters, with many arriving by bus. However, there is no access to drinking water at the private bus stand. The hand pump near the taxi stand has been closed, leaving passengers struggling to find water. The district headquarters’…
Government College Hosts Grand Celebration for Classical Odia Language Day
Koraput: The Government College of Koraput recently celebrated Classical Odia Language Day. On this occasion, a state-level one-day seminar was organized on the theme “Status and Progress of the Odia Language in the 21st Century.” In the inaugural session, the chief guest, Professor Narsingh Charan Panda, Director of the Department of Languages at Central University of Odisha, spoke about the antiquity and distinctiveness of the…
Authorities Hold Disaster Management Meeting to Ensure Heatstroke Prevention & Water Supply
Nabarangpur: A district-level disaster management meeting was held today at the Mission Shakti Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Nabarangpur District Collector, Dr. Shubhankar Mahapatra. The meeting focused on tackling issues related to the upcoming summer heatwave, drinking water supply, and heatstroke prevention. During the meeting, it was emphasized that all defunct tube wells should be repaired on a war footing. The District Collector instructed…
OPSC Declares OJS-2023 Results; Women Dominate Selection List
Bhubaneswar: The OJS-2023 result has been published: 33 candidates qualified, as per OPSC’s notification. Among the successful candidates, 24 are female. Somesh Ranabijuli is the OJS-2023 topper.