Bhubaneswar, Sept. 4 (UDN): A hoolock gibbon briefly ventured outside its enclosure at Nandankanan Zoological Park on Friday, prompting an alert among visitors and zoo officials before the primate safely returned to its habitat. Representational Image According to reports, the gibbon exited its enclosure and climbed onto a large tree nearby, where it remained for some time. Tourists who spotted the animal outside its designated…
Kandhamal Under Tight Security as Janmashtami, Swami Laxmanananda Observance Coincide
Phulbani, Sept. 4 (UDN): Security has been intensified across Odisha’s Kandhamal district ahead of Janmashtami and the observance of the 18th death anniversary of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, with police deploying additional personnel at key locations and stepping up surveillance in sensitive areas. Special religious programmes have been scheduled at the Jaleshpata and Chakapada ashrams on Friday, where devotees will observe Swami Laxmanananda’s annual Shraddha ceremony…
Sudarsan Pattnaik, Manas Sahoo Celebrate Janmashtami with Stunning Lord Krishna Sand Creations
Puri, Sept. 4 (UDN): Janmashtami celebrations in Odisha received an artistic touch on Friday as Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik and acclaimed sand animation artist Manas Sahoo paid tribute to Lord Krishna through striking sand creations that captivated devotees and art lovers alike. At Puri Beach, Pattnaik unveiled an elaborate sculpture of Bal Krishna, depicting the playful deity relishing butter and surrounded by 101 Makhan…
Baragarh’s Tanisha Agrawal Makes History as District’s First Woman Commercial Pilot
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 4 (UDN): A dream that took flight after Class XII has now turned into a historic achievement for Tanisha Agrawal, who has become the first woman from Odisha’s Baragarh district to earn a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Tanisha’s aviation journey began with curiosity rather than a childhood plan. While exploring career options after completing school,…
Odisha Launches ‘Yatri Safety’ App with SOS, Live Tracking and Shake Alert
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 4 (UDN): The Odisha government has launched the Odisha Yatri Safety App, introducing a suite of emergency-response features, including one-click SOS alerts, live location sharing and shake-to-activate assistance, to enhance passenger and driver safety across the state’s public and shared mobility network. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled the upgraded safety module during the Local Self-Government Day celebrations on August 31 in the…
Commissionerate Police Finalise Security Plan for Ganesh Puja in Cuttack
Cuttack, Sept. 4 (UDN): The Commissionerate Police has begun preparations for Ganesh Puja in Cuttack, holding a high-level coordination meeting with puja organisers, civic authorities and community representatives to ensure peaceful celebrations and orderly immersion processions later this month. The meeting, held at Saheed Bhawan and chaired by Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Dr. Suresh Dev Datta Singh, brought together senior police officers, members of puja committees,…
Odisha to Launch Statewide Fire Safety Crackdown from Sept 15 After 800 Violations
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 4 (UDN): The Odisha Fire and Emergency Services Department will launch a month-long statewide inspection drive from September 15 to October 15, intensifying enforcement of fire safety norms after issuing more than 800 notices for violations this year. Representational Image The special campaign, themed “Surakhsit Odisha, Vikashit Odisha,” aims to strengthen compliance with fire safety regulations, particularly at high-risk establishments, following a series…
Odisha Unveils Rs 2 Lakh Accident Relief for School Students, Issues New Emergency Support Guidelines
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 4 (UDN): The Odisha government has introduced a comprehensive accident relief package for school students, announcing an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh for cases involving accidental death or permanent disability, along with transport support for critical medical emergencies. Representational Image The School and Mass Education Department issued the new guidelines on September 3, extending the benefits to students from Sishu Vatika to…
Odisha, IIT Bhubaneswar Join Hands to Launch Renewable Energy Research Centre
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 4 (UDN): In a significant push towards clean energy innovation, the Odisha government and IIT Bhubaneswar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Centre for Renewable Energy Research and Studies (CRRS) at the institute’s campus. The agreement, signed between GRIDCO Limited and IIT Bhubaneswar, aims to create a dedicated hub for advanced research, technology development and industry collaboration in the…
Odisha to Boost Higher Education Support for Students Living with HIV
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 4 (UDN): Students living with HIV and those from HIV-affected families in Odisha will receive greater support in accessing financial assistance for higher education, following a joint initiative by the Odisha State AIDS Control Society (OSACS) and the Higher Education Department. Representational Image The two departments have agreed to strengthen coordination to identify eligible beneficiaries and ensure they can avail themselves of the…