India’s currency system could soon witness one of its biggest transformations in decades as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) takes significant steps towards introducing polymer-based banknotes, popularly known as plastic notes. The move aims to replace traditional paper-based currency with a more durable, secure, and technology-driven alternative. The initiative gained momentum after the Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL), a subsidiary involved…
Puri Jagannath Temple Has No Paid VIP Darshan Facility, SJTA Reiterates
Puri, July 20 (UDN): The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has categorically stated that no paid VIP darshan facility exists at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri and has lodged an FIR against those allegedly circulating misleading advertisements claiming to offer such services. In a complaint filed with the Singhadwara Police Station, the temple administration said it had come across a fraudulent online advertisement promoting…
Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms to Persist Across Odisha Till July 25; IMD Issues Yellow Warning
Bhubaneswar, July 20 (UDN): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall activity across Odisha over the next five days, issuing Yellow Warnings for several districts for heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds until July 25. Representational Image According to the IMD, a favourable weather system is expected to keep monsoon activity active across the state, with intermittent heavy rainfall likely in northern,…
Odisha Finance Department Warns of Salary Freeze for Officers Defying Transfer Orders
Bhubaneswar, July 20 (UDN): The Odisha Finance Department has issued a stern directive to officers who have failed to comply with government transfer orders, warning that non-compliant officials will face a salary freeze and disciplinary action. In an order issued on July 16, 2026, the department directed all transferred officers to report to their new places of posting by July 20, 2026. Officials who fail to…
Indian Women’s Hockey Team Gears Up for FIH World Cup 2026 Challenge
New Delhi, July 20: The Indian women’s hockey team is preparing for its journey towards the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, with the squad focused on delivering a strong performance on the global stage. Pic Credit: https://x.com/narendramodi The team’s qualification campaign has reflected its determination, consistency, and growing strength in international hockey. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, India aims to compete…
PV Sindhu Creates History with Japan Open Triumph
Tokyo, July 20: Indian badminton star PV Sindhu scripted history by winning the Japan Open title after defeating local favourite and three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi in straight games. Sindhu secured a convincing 21-17, 21-17 victory over Yamaguchi to claim the championship, ending a two-year wait for an international title. The win also marked her first victory over Yamaguchi in four years. With this achievement, Sindhu…
Two Killed, Two Critically Injured as Shrimp-Laden Truck Crashes into Parked Vehicle in Odisha’s Kendrapara
Kendrapara, July 20 (UDN): Two persons lost their lives and two others sustained critical injuries after a shrimp-laden container truck rammed into a stationary cement-laden truck on the Cuttack–Chandbali road near Kusunpur in Odisha’s Kendrapara district in the early hours of Monday. According to preliminary reports, the cement-laden truck had been parked along the roadside when the speeding container truck carrying shrimp crashed into its…
Odisha Farmers Spend Sleepless Night in Queue for Fertiliser in Sundargarh
Sundargarh, July 20 (UDN): Hundreds of farmers in Odisha’s Sundargarh district spent the night outside the Regional Cooperative Marketing Society (RCMS) office, hoping to secure fertiliser essential for the ongoing kharif cultivation season. Responding to an official notice announcing fertiliser distribution, many farmers arrived as early as 3:00 AM, placing their Aadhaar cards outside the RCMS office to reserve their place in the queue. Despite…
Hundreds of Kanwariya Devotees Offer Holy Water to Baba Akhandalamani on First Monday of Shravan
Bhadrak, July 20 (UDN): The annual Shravan Yatra commenced at the revered Baba Akhandalamani Temple in Aradi Dham of Odisha’s Bhadrak district, drawing hundreds of Kanwariya devotees on the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan. Representational Image From the early hours of the morning, devotees carrying sacred water in decorated kanwars arrived at the shrine to perform the traditional Jalabhishek (holy water offering)…
Odisha Egg Prices Touch Rs 9 Amid Rising Demand and Export Growth
Bhubaneswar, July 20 (UDN): Egg prices in Odisha have increased due to rising demand, higher exports, and other market factors, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said. The Minister informed that eggs are currently being sold at around Rs 9 per piece in the state, while retail traders are procuring eggs at nearly Rs 7.15 per piece. He attributed the price rise to…