Odisha Launches Major Healthcare Initiative, Providing Free Services to Thousands
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Odisha Launches Major Healthcare Initiative, Providing Free Services to Thousands

Bhubaneswar: The text describes a major healthcare initiative launched in Odisha, focusing on providing free healthcare services to approximately 3.46 crore people in the state. This initiative is a part of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, a national health scheme that offers financial support for healthcare to low-income families. The Odisha government, under the leadership of Mohan Chara Majhi, has also introduced the Gopabandhu Janarogya Yojana, which aligns with the central government’s efforts to improve access to healthcare for marginalized groups.

The plan provides up to 5 lakh rupees annually for families under the scheme, with additional benefits for senior citizens and women. This is a significant step forward in improving the health infrastructure and making medical services more accessible, particularly for people from low-income backgrounds. The health insurance plan covers expenses for medical treatment, surgeries, and hospital stays, effectively reducing the financial burden on families.

The initiative is seen as a transformative measure for the state, bringing healthcare services closer to the people, especially those who previously struggled with medical expenses due to lack of insurance coverage. It reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring better health outcomes for its citizens, especially the poor and elderly.

Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana Launched in Nabarangpur, Aiming for Universal Health Coverage
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Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana Launched in Nabarangpur, Aiming for Universal Health Coverage

Nabarangpur : Today, at the local Nabarangpur city and surrounding Primary Health Center, Honorable Minister of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water Department, Ravi Narayan Naik, was the chief guest for the formal launch of the Ayushman Bharat Prime Minister Jan Arogya Yojana and Gobabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana cards, as well as the Ayushman Bhyo Bandana Yojana.

In this event, esteemed guests included Nabarangpur MLA Gauri Shankar Majhi, Jharigaon MLA Narasingh Bhatara, District Collector Dr. Shubhankar Mahapatra, District Chief Medical Officer Dr. Santosh Kumar Panda, Nabarangpur Municipality Chairman Kunu Nayak, and social worker Kunj Bihari Das.

In his speech, the Chief Guest emphasized the State Government’s responsibility to provide complete free healthcare services to the residents of Odisha. He further highlighted how the Ayushman Yojana would enhance healthcare services, bringing people one step closer to obtaining high-quality healthcare at no cost.

The MLA of Nabarangpur, Gauri Shankar Majhi, and Jharigaon MLA Narasingh Bhatara called the day historic for the district, acknowledging the success and smooth conduct of the event. They also encouraged the district administration to continue their collaborative efforts in ensuring the scheme’s success.

The district-level program was held across 42 primary health centers, including the District Headquarters and Umarkote Sub-District Hospital. Over 1,000 people attended the event at the district headquarters, with more than a thousand others participating at various other locations in the district.

At each Primary Health Center, 10 Ayushman cards were distributed to the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries who received the cards were Tapaswini Lachhman, Narasingh Harijan, Ramarani Rao, Prasfull Nayak, Mukesh Gupta, P. Bharati Pattnayak, Mohammad Mehtab, B. Nag Bhushan Rao, Madan Yani, and Murali Behera. The chief guest presented the cards to these beneficiaries during the ceremony.

25 Beneficiaries from Each Ward Receive Ayushman Cards for Healthcare Benefits
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25 Beneficiaries from Each Ward Receive Ayushman Cards for Healthcare Benefits

Bhubaneswar: On Friday, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) distributed Ayushman Bharat Prime Minister Jan Arogya Yojana and Gobabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana cards. The distribution took place across 22 health centers in the BMC area. A total of 25 beneficiaries from each ward received the cards. Medical officers and nodal officers oversaw the distribution process at each location.

In the Jharapada area under the Bhubaneswar Central constituency, the cards were handed out by senior BJP leader and social worker Jagannath Pradhan, along with other dignitaries such as the Mayor, Sulochana Das, and other officials from the BMC. In the Northern Zone, the program was conducted at the Gadakant Primary Health Center, where Bhubaneswar North MLA Sushant Kumar Rout, Deputy Mayor Manjulata Khamar, and other local officials participated in the card distribution.

In the Southern-West zone, the event was held at the Bharatpur Primary Health Center with participation from various local leaders and officials. The distribution also took place in other health centers under the South-Eastern Zone, where Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, along with other political leaders like Ajit Behera and BJP leader Pinki Pradhan, distributed the cards.

The program was inaugurated by the leader of Ward No. 32, Ananta Narayan Jena, and attended by other local corporators and community leaders. In total, more than 67 wards from 22 centers participated in the event, where over 15,000 beneficiaries received Ayushman Bharat and Gobabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana cards.

As part of the awareness campaign, a “Rath Yatra” was conducted to raise awareness about the scheme, and other local activities were organized to inform the beneficiaries about the benefits of the card. Dr. Baladeb Nanda coordinated the event and informed the beneficiaries about the services available through the card.

Night Stay Banned at Deomali: New Restrictions Enforced from 8 PM to 5 AM
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Night Stay Banned at Deomali: New Restrictions Enforced from 8 PM to 5 AM

Koraput,: The district administration has imposed a ban on tourists staying overnight at Deomali, the highest peak in Odisha. As per the new order, no tourist will be allowed to remain in Deomali from 8 PM to 5 AM. However, tourists with prior bookings in government-approved eco-cottages are exempted from this restriction.

This step follows concerns raised by renowned filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli, who highlighted environmental degradation in the area due to scattered plastic, liquor bottles, litter, and general waste. He had advised tourists to carry bags and act responsibly during their visits.

The administration has strictly prohibited any individual or group from spending the night in the hilltop area without permission. Tourists have been instructed to refrain from using single-use plastic. Violators will be penalized under the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016.

All tourists must dispose of their waste in designated dustbins. Local tour operators and vendors have been directed to ensure proper disposal of waste and maintain cleanliness standards.

The order also mandates strict adherence to all guidelines issued by the Pottangi Block Administration and other local authorities. Anyone found violating these directives will be punished under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and other applicable laws.

District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan stated that police officials, sub-divisional magistrates, block development officers, tehsildars, and forest officers from Pottangi and Kotia have been instructed to enforce these rules.

This order will remain effective for the next 60 days and aims to both promote eco-tourism and ensure public safety.

Grand Festivities Await: Hanuman Jayanti and Hindu New Year to Be Celebrated in Style
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Grand Festivities Await: Hanuman Jayanti and Hindu New Year to Be Celebrated in Style

Nabarangpur: A press conference was held at the premises of the Ganesh Mandir in the local Raju Sahi area, where the Hindu Ekata Bahini organization shared details about the upcoming celebrations.

As per the announcement, a grand rally will be organized by Hindu Ekata Bahini on the evening of the celebration day. The rally will begin from the local Niyam Chauria Chhak and proceed through various parts of the town, eventually reaching the police station.

To enhance the grandeur of the Shobha Yatra (procession), special performances have been arranged. A Dhol-Tasha troupe from Wardha, Maharashtra, and Aghori Baba dancers from Banaras will participate. Additionally, five traditional dance groups from Andhra Pradesh will perform during the event.

The Hindu Ekata Bahini has appealed to the general public from both the district and surrounding regions to actively participate and help make the event a grand success.

Prominent attendees of today’s event included Gauri Shankar Sahu, Ananta Kumar Panda, and other members of the Hindu Ekata Bahini.

Students Get Another Chance to Correct Matric Admit Cards Before Exams
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Students Get Another Chance to Correct Matric Admit Cards Before Exams

Cuttack:The Board of Secondary Education (BSE) continues its efforts to ensure error-free certificates for matric examinees. In this regard, students who appeared in the 2025 matric examination and have any errors in their admit cards have been given another opportunity by the board for correction.

Correction Window: From 17th to 25th

A notification has been issued by the board stating that school authorities can report necessary corrections in their students’ admit cards between the 17th and 25th of this month.

While an opportunity for admit card correction was previously given before the matric exam, this year—for the first time—the board has created such an opportunity even after the matric exams have been conducted.

Relief for Government Employees: Dearness Allowance Hiked by 2percent
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Relief for Government Employees: Dearness Allowance Hiked by 2percent

Bhubaneswar: Good news for government employees.  The state government has increased the dearness allowance (DA) by 2percent.  As a result, the DA has gone up from 53percent to 55percent.  The increased DA will be paid in cash with the April salary. A 2percent hike in TI (Temporary Increase) for pensioners as well.  This increased TI will be included in the April pension. . Nearly 8.5 lakh government employees and pensioners will benefit.

Electronics to Get Cheaper: TVs, Fridges, and Smartphones May See Price Drop
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Electronics to Get Cheaper: TVs, Fridges, and Smartphones May See Price Drop

New Delhi: Televisions, refrigerators, smartphones, and other electronic devices may soon become cheaper. The primary reason behind this is the ongoing trade war between China and the United States. Due to the tariff conflict, Chinese electronics manufacturers are worried. As a result of this economic tension between the world’s two largest economies, several Chinese electronics makers are offering up to a 5% discount to Indian companies.

In this situation, Indian electronics manufacturers might pass on a portion of this discount to consumers to boost demand. This move could lead to reduced prices for various electronics such as TVs, fridges, and smartphones in India. Notably, nearly one-third of the parts used in electronics products manufactured in India are imported from China. To meet production requirements for 2–3 months, Indian companies usually stockpile raw materials in advance. By May-June, companies are expected to place new orders. Hence, China is trying to attract Indian manufacturers through discounts.

According to the GT-RI report, India’s electronics imports rose by 36.7% in 2023–24. During this period, India imported electronics worth $34.4 billion, which is 118.2% higher than five years ago. In 2018–19, the import value stood at $15.8 billion.

Kamal Nandi, head of appliances business at Godrej Enterprises Group, said the trade war is making Chinese goods more expensive in the U.S. As a result, demand for “Made in China” products is falling, putting pressure on Chinese manufacturers. To counter this, they are now offering incentives to Indian companies.

Due to the U.S.-China trade war, new orders from the U.S. to Chinese manufacturers have dropped. After the U.S. imposed retaliatory tariffs, global supply chains are being reorganized. To revive demand, China is developing new strategies.

Currently, there is an intense tariff battle between China and the U.S., with both imposing heavy duties on each other’s products. China has imposed an 84% duty on U.S. goods, while the U.S. has levied a 125% tariff on Chinese products. This means a Chinese product worth $100 now costs $225 in the U.S. As Chinese goods become more expensive in the U.S., demand and sales are expected to drop.

Key products exported from China to the U.S. include mobile phones, computers and accessories, electrical and industrial equipment, toys, games and sporting goods, apparel, car parts, household appliances, telecom equipment, furniture, home products, cookware, and cutlery.

In contrast, the U.S. exports items like soybeans, aircraft and parts, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, industrial machinery, crude oil, LNG, plastic products, new and used cars, and medical devices to China.

Devotees Gather in Large Numbers for Hanuman Temple Inauguration Festival
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Devotees Gather in Large Numbers for Hanuman Temple Inauguration Festival

Tentulikhunti,: The inauguration festival of the Hanuman Temple in Tentulikhunti block headquarters panchayat of Nabarangpur district was held from the 6th to the 9th of this month. On the 6th, the festivities began with the offering of Purnahuti (sacred fire ritual) and initiation rituals, followed by the idol consecration ceremony.

On the first day, rituals such as Vanayaga, Sala Sanskar, Mandala Karan, and Ankuraropan were performed by priests. A Kalash Yatra (sacred pot procession) was carried out by the village women, accompanied by Vedic chants.

On the second day, events like Surya Puja (Sun worship), Go Puja (Cow worship), entry into the new temple hall, and Agni Sthapana (sacred fire installation) were conducted.

The third day included Surya Puja, Chetana Puja, Mahasnan (holy bathing of the idol), and the consecration of the deity and temple building.

On the fourth day, along with Surya Puja, Ratna Mudra, idol installation, entry of deities into the temple, and Yajna rituals were held. The festival concluded with the final offering (Purnahuti) and the grand entry of Sri Sri Sankat Mochan Hanuman. A mass food offering (Anna Yajna) was organized as part of the ceremony.

Hundreds of women from remote tribal villages under the Tentulikhunti panchayat such as Barada Jhodi, Ladi Padar, and Pangan Mara participated actively in the temple inauguration celebration.

OSSTA Voices Strong Opposition to UAS Implementation in Schools
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OSSTA Voices Strong Opposition to UAS Implementation in Schools

Bhubaneswar: There is a lack of proper infrastructure in many schools—no adequate teachers, no access to mobile phones, internet, or computers. In such conditions, the implementation of the Unified Attendance System (UAS) at the school level is not feasible. Only after these basic facilities are ensured should the UAS be introduced. This demand was made by Ranjan Kumar Dash, General Secretary of the Odisha Secondary School Teachers’ Association (OSTA), in a press release.

According to the association, the UAS system not only violates teachers’ human rights but also creates a sense of inferiority among them, treating them like mere laborers. It is highly condemnable that this system is being implemented only for teachers while ignoring all other government employees. This move will put teachers under mental stress.

Instead of using the UAS portal, the association has demanded the adoption of biometric attendance as an alternative.