Badagada, Dhanapur (Ganjam) July 11 (UDN): Police have arrested seven persons for allegedly targeting and harassing a family over suspicions of practising witchcraft in Odisha’s Ganjam district, highlighting the continued prevalence of superstition in rural areas despite repeated awareness campaigns. The incident occurred in Dhanapur village under Badagada police station limits, where the family of Kailash Gouda had reportedly been facing social ostracism and intimidation…
Odisha Deploys 15 CAPF Companies, 13,000 Security Personnel for Puri Rath Yatra 2026
Bhubaneswar, July 11 (UDN): The Odisha government has put in place a comprehensive multi-layered security plan for the Rath Yatra 2026 in Puri, with the deployment of 15 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and nearly 13,000 police personnel, officers and Home Guards to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the world-renowned festival. Representational Image The security arrangements were finalised following a…
SAIL CMD Meets Odisha Chief Minister to Discuss Steel Sector Development
Bhubaneswar, July 11 (UDN): Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) Chairman and Managing Director Ashok Kumar Panda called on Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan on Saturday. The courtesy meeting focused on issues related to the development of the steel sector in Odisha and explored opportunities for strengthening cooperation between the state government and SAIL in promoting industrial growth. During the…
Aditya Birla Group Plans ₹12,000-Crore Expansion of Rayagada Alumina Refinery, Total Investment to Reach ₹20,000 Crore
Bhubaneswar, July 11 (UDN): Aditya Birla Group has proposed an additional investment of ₹12,000 crore to significantly expand its upcoming alumina refinery project at Kansariguda in Kashipur tehsil of Rayagada district, taking the project’s total investment to nearly ₹20,000 crore. The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla in Bhubaneswar on…
Centre Issues Guidelines for National Anthem, Song
New Delhi, July 11: The Central Government has issued fresh guidelines on the correct script, pronunciation, and rendition of the National Anthem and National Song to ensure uniformity during official and public events. The guidelines stress maintaining the original words, proper pronunciation, and approved format while singing or reciting national symbols. The move aims to create greater awareness and ensure respectful presentation of the National…
Heavy Rainfall Forecast Across Odisha; IMD Issues Yellow Alert
Bhubaneswar, July 11 (UDN): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for Odisha, predicting increased rainfall activity across the State due to a possible low-pressure area forming over the Bay of Bengal. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, a cyclonic circulation is currently active over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh. Under favourable atmospheric conditions, the system is likely to intensify into…
All Missing Fishermen, Including Three From Odisha, Traced Safe
Bhubaneswar, July 11 (UDN): All 16 fishermen who went missing at sea during a deep-sea fishing trip have been found safe near Kakdwip in West Bengal. Among them are three brothers from Balasore district of Odisha — Rabindra Majhi, Jayaram Majhi, and Jagannath Majhi — along with 13 other fishermen from West Bengal. The fishermen had gone fishing aboard the trawler ‘Maa Kali’ from Shankarpur beach…
Odisha Launches State Water Reforms Framework for Better Resource Management
Bhubaneswar, July 11 (UDN): The Odisha Government has initiated the implementation of the State Water Reforms Framework (SWRF), a benchmarking initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, aimed at improving water governance, promoting sustainable resource management, and enhancing institutional efficiency in the water sector. The framework will help strengthen coordination among various government departments, encourage scientific and data-driven planning, and improve monitoring…
Government Focuses on Policy Reforms to Boost Electronics Exports
New Delhi, July 11: The Commerce Secretary has stressed the importance of a predictable and stable policy environment to help India achieve its ambitious target of $150 billion in electronics exports. Addressing industry stakeholders, the Secretary highlighted the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing, enhance supply chain capabilities, and improve India’s competitiveness in the global electronics market. The government emphasized that consistent policies, greater industry collaboration,…
SHANTI Act Implementation Takes Centre Stage at NITI Aayog Meet
New Delhi, July 11: NITI Aayog held consultations with key stakeholders to discuss the implementation framework of the SHANTI Act, focusing on three major pillars aimed at strengthening the country’s development and regulatory ecosystem. The discussions brought together representatives from government departments, industry, experts, and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for effective implementation of the Act and ensuring coordinated efforts among all concerned parties.…