State Opens Online Teacher Transfer Portal for Applications

Bhubaneswar, Dec, 02:  The Directorate of Elementary Education has emphasized completing the intra-district transfer of primary teachers as soon as possible. All District Education Officers have been directed to take immediate steps to complete the online intra-district transfer process for primary teachers working under the School & Mass Education Department.

The online teacher transfer portal opened on November 28 and will remain operational until December 25. All intra-district transfer processes for elementary cadre teachers in the district are to be completed by the District Education Officers by December 25.

It is noteworthy that, according to a High Court directive, teachers cannot be transferred based on the recommendations of Members of Parliament or Members of Legislative Assembly. The government’s May 13, 2025 order in this regard has been canceled. The court has also expressed its disapproval of political interference in the education sector.

Teachers and instructors will be returned to their original posts after the end of the academic year, not during it. Those who were transferred based on MP/MLA recommendations will have to return to their previous schools. Justice Dikshit Krushna Shripad, while hearing over 30 related cases, had issued this directive.

Earlier, the state government’s policy allowed 3 MLAs and 1 MP from each constituency to recommend transfers for up to 15 eligible teachers. However, the government’s policy was deemed unjust, as it was alleged to influence teacher transfers and adversely affect the process.

Union Home & Urban Affairs Joint Secretary Visits Daringbadi, Interacts with Millet Farmers

Daringbadi, Dec, 02: Rupa Mishra, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Home and Urban Affairs, visited Daringbadi for the first time and reviewed various government schemes being implemented in this the region. Upon her arrival in Daringbadi, she was welcomed by Kandhamal District Collector Bed Bhushan.

She first toured the Daringbadi coffee plantation, spent some time at the coffee café operated by local women self-help groups, and tasted coffee prepared by the women. After returning from the plantation, she bought turmeric, ginger, coffee, black pepper, and other traditional products from a stall run by an Adivasi woman entrepreneur named Premati Pradhan, who sells traditional produce in front of the coffee estate.

It is noteworthy that the Joint Secretary not only purchased items but also gave the Adivasi woman an additional ₹1,000. She praised Premanti Pradhan’s entrepreneurial efforts and encouraged her to continue progressing. Before leaving, she told her in English, “Very good.”

She later visited the Eco Retreat built atop the hill, reviewed the tourist spots, and discussed tourist facilities and issues with local administrative officers.

Finally, upon arriving at Sulumaha village, various women self-help groups greeted her warmly. She interacted with Adivasi women about how different government schemes are helping them become self-reliant and how effectively the benefits are reaching them. In particular, she discussed how the women’s self-help groups have become empowered by working under the Millet Mission. The women also showcased produce grown under the Millet Mission.

The Joint Secretary expressed her happiness that the Millet Mission has become a guiding light for improving the livelihoods of local women. Kailash Dandapat, a community mobilizer, explained to her how the women could further benefit from government schemes.

During her visit to Daringbadi, District Collector Bed Bhushan, BDO of Daringbadi Preeti Ranjan Rath, and Tahsildar Dheeraj Patra were present.

India Ranked as ‘Major Power’ in Latest Asia Power Index Report

New Delhi, Dec, 02:  In the Asia Power Index released by the Lowy Institute, India has emerged as the third-largest global power. Due to its strong response to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and its rising economic stability, India has earned the recognition of being a “Major Power.” India has achieved this historic position by surpassing Japan and Russia.

India is steadily strengthening its presence on the global stage. The Australia-based institute has released the 2025 Asia Power Index, in which India has been ranked as the world’s third-largest power centre due to its impressive performance in both military and economic domains.

Key Points:

  • India becomes the third-largest global power, overtaking Japan and Russia.
  • One of the major factors behind this achievement is India’s strong action during Operation Sindoor.
  • Investors are shifting away from China and turning towards India.
  • India has now become a reliable partner for the world.
  • In this list, the United States ranks first, while China holds the second position.
PALS 2025 Grandly Celebrated at Kotpad NAC’s Old Tahasil Padia

Kotpad Dec, 02:  The three-day-long festival of the Kotpad Notified Area Council, PALS 2025, concluded today with grand celebrations. The final day’s programme was held under the chairmanship of M. Shankar Rao, Chairman of Kotpad NAC, and Kamalesh Mahant, Executive Officer.

The concluding ceremony began at the Old Tahasil Padia with a prayer to Lord Jagannath, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial torch. In today’s programme, two personalities from the Kotpad region were specially honoured—young scientist and working teacher Amjuri Bishwanath, and Pradeep Bhatra, who has brought pride and recognition to Kotpad and Odisha.

Both awardees expressed their gratitude to the Kotpad Notified Area Council, the Chairman, the Executive Officer, and the people of Kotpad.

The major attractions of today’s event included various dance performances, songs, and cultural programmes. Students who showcased outstanding performances were awarded by the distinguished guests.

Among those present were Vice-Chairperson M. Santoshi, all ward members, all Swachh Sathi workers, students and teachers from various schools, and all staff members of the Kotpad NAC including Head Clerk Gopi Majhi, Accountant Prashant Kochaim, Sudhir Nandi, Rajesh Das, Mamu Ni Pusti, K. Ramesh, Diwan Murmu, Durga Satapathy, along with many other team members. With the collective support of all participants and volunteers, the event concluded with great splendour.

Newly Formed Pension Beneficiaries’ District Primary Teachers’ Association Holds First Meeting

Bargarh, Dec, 02:  A structural meeting of the District Primary Teachers’ Association (New Pension Beneficiaries’ Unit) was held at the premises of the Bargarh Agragami Youth Association. The meeting was presided over by the President of the New Pension Beneficiaries’ District Primary Teachers’ Association, Nandighosh Bhue. Vice-President Radheshyam Joshi, District Secretary Shrikant Barik, Advisory Board members Bharadwaj Pradhan, Raghunath Puri, along with presidents, secretaries, and teacher representatives from all block-level Primary Teachers’ Associations were present.

In the meeting, it was urged—following the call of the State Primary Teachers’ Federation—that meetings be held in all blocks on 30th November to prepare for ensuring 100% participation of teachers in the upcoming state-level agitation scheduled for 5th December. After the proposal was unanimously accepted, it was also informed that on 1st December, a demand memorandum would be submitted to the Hon’ble Chief Minister through the group education officers.

It was highlighted that the State Primary Teachers’ Federation will begin its agitation on 5th December demanding:

1. Payment of salaries at central pay scale,

2. Counting of the six-year contractual period as regular service, and

3. Granting of six notional increments.

Among those present in the meeting were District Treasurer Ashutosh Patra, Gaisilat Block President Narayan Kishore Panda, Barpali Block President Thakur Atish Behera, Bargarh Block President Birendra Nath Kumhar, Ambabhona Block President Swadhin Sahu, Bhatli Block President Yogeshwar Pradhan, Paikamal Block President Nirakar Pradhan, Jharbandh Block President Bishnu Charan Sahu, Sohela Block Vice-President Kuber Mohapatra, Bheden Block Secretary Tanmay Kumar Khamari, and other block-level office-bearers and members.

Ashish Represents District in Unity March Programme

Tentulikhunti, Dec, 02: As per the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man, the late Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Unity March Programme began from Sanghbhumi, Nagpur, and will conclude at the Statue of Unity. This programme, which started on the 24th, will end on the 30th.

Two youths from each district across various states of the country have been invited to participate, representing their respective districts. From Nabarangpur district, Ashish Kumari Takri and her colleague Tushar Bishoi have joined the programme and are representing the district, according to reports.

Three Nabarangpur Players Selected for Odisha Women’s Tennis Ball Cricket Team

Nabarangpur, Dec, 02: The National-level Women’s Tennis Ball Cricket Championship is going to be held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, from December 18 to 21. For this event, the Odisha Tennis Ball Cricket Association has announced the Odisha women’s cricket team. Three players from Nabarangpur district have secured a place in this team. They are Beena Gand, Harijan, and one more player. These three have brought pride and honor to the land of Nabarangpur.

After the news became public, Nabarangpur District Cricket Association President Debashish Pattnayak, Secretary Prahlad Tripathy, Shubhendu Behera, M. Bala Krishna, the association’s media coordinator Manoj Kumar Pattnayak, members Ashok Narak, Shashank Shekhar Behera, along with other members, congratulated the players.

Two Injured as Bike Skids on Busy Road

Chandahandi, Dec, 02: A bike accident took place this evening near Semalaguda in Chandahandi block. According to reports, two persons have been seriously injured.

Chinku Nag of Sinapali area was returning home after finishing his work. While he was standing on the roadside, Jagabandhu Majhi and Bhujabal Majhi of Kandioara village were coming towards Dandamunda on a bike and hit Chinku Nag. As a result, two persons sustained serious injuries.

After receiving the information, Congress leader Kshemaraj Bagh reached the spot and contacted the 108 ambulance service and the Chandahandi Fire Department. The seriously injured Chinku Nag along with the other two injured persons were rescued and taken to the hospital. As Chinku Nag’s condition was critical, he was shifted to Koraput District Medical College. Among the other two injured, one person’s condition is reported to be stable.

JMR Infotech Showcases AI-Powered Banking Platform at CAB Annual General Meeting & Conference 2025

Bogotá / Dubai / Bangalore – Dec 2: JMR Infotech, a global leader in digital transformation and banking technology solutions, and a service member of the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), participated in the CAB Annual General Meeting & Conference 2025, held in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, from October 28 to November 1, 2025. The event brought together banking and financial industry leaders from across the region to discuss emerging trends, innovation, and the future of financial services in the Caribbean.

JMR Infotech

JMR Infotech was represented by CEO Jayafar Moidu, who engaged with senior representatives from banks and financial institutions across the Caribbean. Discussions focused on how AI-driven Banking Platform as a Service (BPaaS) models can help institutions accelerate modernisation, improve compliance, and enhance customer experience.

At the conference, JMR Infotech highlighted its Banking Platform as a Service (BPaaS), a complete, API-first, cloud-enabled, and AI-powered technology stack built on Oracle banking product processor to deliver next-generation, immersive, and intelligent banking experiences. The platform integrates automation, predictive analytics, and composable architecture to help banks achieve operational agility, risk resilience, and scalability.

Jayafar Moidu, CEO, JMR Infotech, emphasised that the Caribbean’s banking ecosystem is at a pivotal stage, where innovation and inclusion will define the next decade of growth. He noted that the region’s collaborative spirit and willingness to adopt digital-first strategies position it well for transformation driven by AI and cloud technologies.

“Across the Caribbean, banks are ready to embrace technology that empowers efficiency, compliance, and customer-centricity. Our AI-powered BPaaS model offers a secure and scalable pathway to modernisation, enabling financial institutions to move from manual processes to intelligent, self-optimising operations,” said Jayafar.

JMR Infotech’s presence at the conference reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s financial sector with flexible, future-ready technology solutions. With a regional delivery center in Bogotá and support and delivery centers in St. Kitts and Jamaica, the company continues to strengthen its footprint across the Caribbean and Latin America, combining local presence with global delivery excellence.