Tributes Paid to Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Death Anniversary

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16 (UDN): Tributes were paid to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, remembering him as a distinguished nationalist, visionary statesman and exceptional orator who made significant contributions to India’s development and democratic traditions.  Pic credit : x.com/MohanMOdisha Vajpayee’s life and political legacy continue to inspire citizens across the country. His tenure in public life was marked by a strong…

Koraput Polytechnic Signs Two MoUs to Boost Industry-Ready Skills in Emerging Technologies

Koraput, Aug. 16 (UDN): The skilling ecosystem in Odisha’s Koraput district is set for a major boost with the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening technical education and equipping students with industry-relevant skills. Today, I witnessed the signing of two important MoUs to strengthen Koraput district’s skilling ecosystem.  ➜ Government Polytechnic, Koraput and Skyy Skill Academy Private Limited, Hyderabad signing an…

Odisha to Engage 5,740 Retired Teachers as Guest Teachers in Schools

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16 (UDN): The Odisha government has approved the engagement of 5,740 retired teachers as Guest Teachers in government and aided secondary schools across the state for the 2026–27 academic session.  Representational Image  The move is aimed at addressing teacher shortages and ensuring that classroom teaching continues without disruption until regular teachers are appointed and join their respective schools. Retired Teachers to Fill Vacancies…

Jajpur Tense After Biruhan-Sagadi Clash, 9 Arrested; Six Platoons Deployed

Jajpur, Aug. 16 (UDN): Tension prevailed in parts of Odisha’s Jajpur district after a dispute between residents of Biruhan and Sagadi villages under Panikoili police station escalated into a group clash on Saturday.  Representational Image Police have arrested nine people in connection with the incident, while security has been tightened in the area to prevent any further escalation. Minor Dispute Escalates According to reports, the…

CM Mohan Majhi Honours Odisha Police Personnel for Outstanding Service

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi honoured police officers and personnel for their outstanding contributions to maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety and delivering uninterrupted services to the people.  Pic credit: x.com/CMO_Odisha The Chief Minister presented medals to the awardees at the State-Level Medal Presentation Ceremony – 2026, held at the Convention Centre in Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. Addressing the…

Angul Gets Major Healthcare Boost with ICU, Modular OTs and Free Ambulance Service

Angul, Aug. 16 (UDN): Angul district marked Independence Day with a major expansion of public healthcare facilities, including the inauguration of a 10-bed ICU, three modular operation theatres and advanced diagnostic equipment at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). Pic Credit: x.com/HFWOdisha Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, who hoisted the National Flag at the district-level Independence Day celebration at the Angul Police…

Odisha Braces for Heavy Rain as IMD Issues Red Alert for Mayurbhanj, Balasore

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16 (UDN): Odisha is set to witness another spell of intense rainfall as a weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue warnings across several districts.  Representational Image Rainfall has already begun in parts of the state, with the system likely to bring heavy to very heavy rain over northern and coastal…

Late-Night Blaze Destroys Thatched House in Cuttack, Man and Nephew Seriously Injured

Cuttack, Aug. 16 (UDN): A late-night fire gutted a three-room thatched house in Sana Patasundarpur village under Kantapada block of Odisha’s Cuttack district, leaving a man and his nephew seriously injured. The fire reportedly broke out while members of the family were asleep. The cause of the blaze remains unclear. Cattle Rescue Turns Tragic According to reports, the flames spread rapidly through the thatched structure,…

Crocodile Spotted Near Flood-Hit Road in Bhadrak, Stray Dog Dragged Into Water

Bhadrak, Aug. 16 (UDN): Fear gripped residents of Bhadrak district after a crocodile was reportedly spotted moving through floodwaters near a road in Bodak panchayat under Tihidi block on Saturday. According to reports, the reptile allegedly dragged a stray dog into the water as flood conditions worsened in the area. Crocodile Emerges Near Road Floodwater from the Reba river has reportedly risen over the Hatnagar…

Odisha Announces 45,000 New Teacher Recruitment, 2,200 Model Primary Schools

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Independence Day announced a major expansion of the state’s primary education system, unveiling plans to establish 2,200 Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Primary Schools in the first phase and initiate recruitment of 45,000 more teachers. The announcements are part of the state government’s broader push to improve the quality of school education by strengthening both infrastructure…