Bhubaneswar, July 14 (UDN): Odisha’s renowned Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Sambalpur district may soon receive the status of a National Park, marking a significant development for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism in the state. The state Forest and Environment Minister has indicated that the proposal to accord National Park status to Debrigarh is under consideration, and the sanctuary could become Odisha’s third National Park after Similipal…
Hockey India Names Squads for Maiden Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship
New Delhi, July 14: Hockey India has announced the squads for the inaugural Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship, selecting a group of talented young players to represent the country in the continental tournament. The championship will provide an important platform for emerging hockey players to gain international experience and compete against some of the best youth teams from across Asia. The selected squads were finalised after…
Europe Heatwave Claims Over 10,000 Lives in a Week, Elderly Most Affected
New Delhi, July 14: An intense heatwave that swept across Europe during the last week of June has claimed more than 10,650 additional lives across 27 countries, raising fresh concerns over the growing impact of extreme weather events. According to scientific estimates, the excess deaths were recorded between June 22 and June 28, a figure experts say is significantly higher than what is normally expected…
Odisha Unveils Guidelines for Senior Citizens’ Pilgrimage Scheme 2026-27
Bhubaneswar, July 14 (UDN): The Odisha government has released the guidelines for the Baristha Nagarik Tirtha Yatra Yojana 2026-27, reaffirming its commitment to providing senior citizens with safe, comfortable, and government-supported pilgrimage opportunities to prominent religious destinations across the country. Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida unveiled the guidelines at a press conference in Bhubaneswar, stating that the scheme is designed to fulfil…
Odisha Fishermen Advised to Stay Away From Sea Till July 18
Bhubaneswar, July 14 (UDN): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised fishermen along the Odisha coast not to venture into the sea till July 18 due to the likelihood of rough to very rough sea conditions over the next five days. According to the Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, squally winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are expected to prevail along and…
Fatal Mercedes Crash in Bhubaneswar: Law Student Arrested Over Biker’s Death
Bhubaneswar, July 14 (UDN): A 34-year-old biker died after a Mercedes SUV allegedly collided with his motorcycle near Shastri Nagar Square in Bhubaneswar late Monday night. Police arrested the SUV driver, identified as law student Soumya Ranjan Rath, and booked him for alleged rash driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. The accident took place around 10:30 pm when the speeding Mercedes SUV reportedly…
Rath Yatra 2026: Puri Strengthens Sanitation Drive with 1,270 Bio Toilets
Puri, July 14 (UDN): In preparation for the massive footfall expected during Rath Yatra 2026, the Puri administration has installed 1,270 bio toilets at various locations across the city to ensure better hygiene and sanitation facilities for devotees. Lakhs of pilgrims are expected to gather in Puri during the annual chariot festival, creating a need for extensive public amenities. The newly installed bio toilets have…
Odisha Government Issues SOP for Free KG to PG Education Scheme
Bhubaneswar, July 14 (UDN): The Odisha government has released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing its free education initiative from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level, outlining eligibility criteria, fee guidelines, and responsibilities of educational institutions. The SOP aims to ensure smooth implementation of the ambitious scheme and provide accessible education opportunities to eligible students across the state. Under the guidelines, institutions will have…
Dr Anil Menon Set to Become First Astronaut of Kerala Descent for NASA Mission
Thiruvananthapuram, July 14: Dr Anil Menon, the first astronaut of Kerala descent selected for a NASA mission, is preparing for his upcoming journey into space, marking a proud moment for the Indian-origin community and Kerala. A physician, engineer, and experienced aerospace professional, Dr Menon has been selected as part of NASA’s astronaut programme and is undergoing extensive training for future space missions. His journey reflects…
Karnataka Plans India’s First Government-Led AI University to Drive Future Innovation
Bengaluru, July 14: Karnataka is preparing to establish India’s first government-led Artificial Intelligence (AI) University, aiming to strengthen research, innovation, and skill development in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology fields. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the proposed institution will focus on advanced AI education, emerging technologies, and creating a skilled workforce equipped for future opportunities. The AI University is expected to serve…