Nabarangpur, July 9 (UDN): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally launched its campaign for the forthcoming Panchayat elections, choosing Nabarangpur, traditionally regarded as a Congress stronghold, as the starting point of its statewide rural outreach programme. Senior BJP leaders and party workers participated in the campaign launch, outlining the party’s strategy to strengthen its grassroots presence and expand its organisational network across rural Odisha.…
Odisha Government Cracks Down on Non-Compliant Vehicles; Seizure Ordered for Lack of Fitness, Insurance or Permit
Bhubaneswar, July 9 (UDN): The Odisha Government has announced stringent enforcement measures against vehicles operating without mandatory documents, directing authorities to seize vehicles found without valid fitness certificates, insurance coverage or permits. The decision is part of the state’s efforts to strengthen road safety, ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act and improve the overall enforcement of transport regulations. Transport enforcement agencies have been instructed…
Odisha to Develop Smart City-Inspired Model Villages; Survey Completed, Project Design Underway
Bhubaneswar, July 9 (UDN): The Odisha Government has initiated plans to develop Model Villages on the lines of the Smart City concept, marking a significant step towards transforming rural infrastructure and improving the quality of life in villages across the state. Representational Image According to official sources, the preliminary survey for the ambitious initiative has been completed, and work on preparing the project design is…
Monsoon Alert: BMC Advises Citizens to Stay Safe from Leptospirosis Risk
Mumbai, July 9: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued an advisory urging citizens to take necessary precautions against Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can spread during the monsoon season, especially through contact with contaminated water. The civic body has advised residents to avoid walking through stagnant or flood water wherever possible, maintain personal hygiene, and take immediate medical advice if symptoms such as fever,…
NEET-UG 2027 to Be Held in CBT Mode Over Six Days; Centre Plans Major Exam Reforms
New Delhi, July 9 (UDN): In a significant overhaul of the country’s largest undergraduate medical entrance examination, the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode over six days from 2027, as part of a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity and transparency of the examination process. Representational Image The decision follows concerns over question paper leaks and examination…
Rising Waters Leave Jagatsinghpur Farmers Fighting to Save Their Crops
Jagatsinghpur, July 9 (UDN): For vegetable farmers in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district, days of relentless rainfall have turned fields of hope into pools of uncertainty. Large stretches of farmland have been submerged, leaving hundreds of farmers worried about losing their crops and livelihoods. As water levels in the Mahanadi and Paika rivers continue to rise, farmers in Kujang block are making desperate efforts to save whatever…
Traditional Jhoti-Chita Art Adorns Puri’s Grand Road Ahead of Rath Yatra 2026
Puri, July 9 (UDN): The Grand Road (Bada Danda) in Puri has been transformed into a vibrant canvas of Odisha’s traditional Jhoti-Chita art as artists put the finishing touches to elaborate decorative motifs ahead of Rath Yatra 2026. Created by skilled local artists using age-old indigenous techniques, the intricate white patterns and traditional designs have added a distinct cultural and spiritual charm to the ceremonial…
Rath Yatra 2026: Every Tradition Has a Story; Preparation of Sacred Chariot Ropes Reflects Odisha’s Timeless Heritage
Puri, July 9 (UDN): The centuries-old traditions associated with the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath continue to uphold the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Odisha. Among these cherished customs, the preparation of the sacred Ratha Daudi (chariot ropes) remains an integral ritual, symbolising devotion, craftsmanship and continuity of tradition. The ropes used to pull the three majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra…
Sacred Rhythms of Puri: How Odisha’s Dances Bring the Spirit of Rath Yatra Alive
When the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra begin their grand journey along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) of Puri, the atmosphere transforms into a celebration of faith, devotion, and culture. The sound of chants, the fragrance of incense, and the energy of millions of devotees create a divine spectacle — but there is another powerful element that gives the festival its…
Rescue Operation Ends Successfully as Three Tourists Reunited After 22 Hours in Malyagiri Hills
Angul, July 9 (UDN): A tense rescue operation in Odisha’s Angul district concluded successfully on Thursday after three tourists, who had gone missing during a trek on Malyagiri Hill, were safely rescued after nearly 22 hours. The young trekkers had ventured into the hill area near Pallahara but lost their way while exploring the challenging terrain. As hours passed without contact, concerns grew among their…