Bhubaneswar, July 25 (UDN): Odisha is preparing for another spell of intense monsoon activity after a fresh low-pressure system formed over the Bay of Bengal, with weather authorities forecasting heavy rainfall across several parts of the state in the coming days. The developing weather system is expected to bring widespread showers, thunderstorms, and periods of heavy rain, prompting authorities to remain alert and strengthen preparedness…
Gujarat Strengthens Flood Relief Efforts with Round-the-Clock Medical Teams and Preventive Health Measures
Ahmedabad, July 25: As flood-affected communities across Gujarat continue to recover from the impact of relentless monsoon rains, authorities have intensified public health and emergency response efforts to safeguard residents from waterborne diseases and other post-flood health risks. In Ahmedabad alone, 24×7 medical teams have been deployed, while more than 71,000 chlorine tablets have been distributed to help ensure access to safe drinking water. The…
Bahuda Yatra 2026: Devotee Dies After Falling Ill While Pulling Subhadra’s Chariot in Puri
Puri, July 24 (UDN): A 57-year-old devotee lost his life after reportedly falling ill while participating in the pulling of Devi Subhadra’s chariot during the Bahuda Yatra in Puri on Friday evening. The deceased has been identified as Abhiram Das, a resident of Cuttack. According to eyewitnesses, Das was among thousands of devotees pulling the Darpadalan chariot when he suddenly collapsed amid the massive crowd.…
Delhi-NCR on High Alert as IMD Warns of Heavy Rain; Residents Urged to Stay Prepared
New Delhi, July 25: Residents across Delhi-NCR are being advised to prepare for intense monsoon conditions after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a fresh alert forecasting heavy rainfall across the region and several other states. The advisory comes amid an active monsoon phase that is expected to bring widespread showers, thunderstorms, and localized waterlogging over the coming days. Authorities have urged citizens to remain…
Low-Pressure Area Likely Over Bay of Bengal; Heavy Rain to Continue Across Odisha Till July 29
Bhubaneswar, July 25 (UDN): A fresh low-pressure area is expected to develop over the north Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours under the influence of an active cyclonic circulation extending across north Odisha and adjoining West Bengal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Representational Image The weather system is likely to trigger widespread rainfall across Odisha over the next few days, with…
Over 7.3 Crore Income Tax Returns Filed for AY 2026–27, Reflecting Growing Trust in India’s Digital Tax Ecosystem
New Delhi, July 25: India’s ongoing efforts to simplify tax compliance and strengthen digital public services continue to gain momentum, with more than 7.3 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) filed for the Assessment Year (AY) 2026–27 so far. The milestone highlights increasing taxpayer participation and reflects the growing confidence of individuals and businesses in the country’s modernized tax administration. Driven by a series of taxpayer-centric…
Odisha Govt Makes 21-Day Advance Approval Mandatory for Officials Travelling Outside State or Abroad
Bhubaneswar, July 25 (UDN): The Odisha government has introduced a stricter protocol for its employees, making it mandatory for officials to obtain prior approval at least 21 days before undertaking personal travel outside Odisha or abroad. The directive, issued by the Finance Department, requires government employees to secure sanctioned leave and permission to leave their headquarters before commencing any such journey. The new rule aims to…
Balasore Farmer Survives Wild Animal Attack, Forest Team Begins Probe
Balasore, July 24 (UDN): A farmer sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a suspected big cat near the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha’s Balasore district on Friday. Forest officials have launched an investigation to determine whether the animal involved was a tiger, a leopard or another wild species. The incident occurred near Balianala, where Sunil Singh, a resident of Natapada village, had gone in…
Meet Odisha’s ‘Shankha Mausi’: The Artisan Keeping the Rare Tradition of Clay Conches Alive
Balasore, July 25 (UDN): In a quiet village of Odisha’s Balasore district, a 68-year-old artisan is breathing new life into a fading traditional craft. Bimala Rath, fondly known as ‘Shankha Mausi’, has earned recognition for creating handcrafted clay conches that remarkably resemble natural sea conches—not only in appearance but also in the sound they produce when blown. A resident of Durga Devi village in Remuna…
Suna Besha Rush Chokes Bhubaneswar–Puri Highway as Devotees Stream into Pilgrim Town
Bhubaneswar/Puri, July 25 (UDN): The Bhubaneswar–Puri National Highway witnessed massive traffic congestion on Saturday as thousands of devotees travelled to Puri to witness the revered Suna Besha of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Sudarshan. Representational Image Heavy traffic was reported at multiple locations along the highway, with one of the worst bottlenecks witnessed near Batagaon, where vehicles crawled for long stretches. Pilgrims travelling…