Jakarta, July 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed Indonesia for Australia after completing his official visit, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto seeing him off before his departure. The visit highlighted the strong friendship and growing partnership between India and Indonesia. Both countries discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, defence, technology and regional development. The farewell ceremony reflected the close…
Fresh Low Pressure to Bring Heavy Rain in Odisha
Bhubaneswar, July 8 (UDN): A fresh low-pressure system is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal, bringing the possibility of heavy rainfall across several parts of Odisha between July 12 and July 15, according to weather forecasts. The new weather disturbance may lead to increased rainfall activity in coastal, northern and southern parts of the state. If the system gains further strength, some areas…
Search Intensified for Two Youths Missing in Bargarh Hills
Bargarh, July 8 (UDN): A large-scale search operation is underway in the Jhanjha Hills of Bargarh district after two youths went missing during an outing with friends. The missing youths, identified as Raj Mallick and Ganesh Duduka, had visited the Kuthikhol area near the foothills of Jhanjha Hills along with a group of nine youths from Kansingha village. The group had gone there to spend…
Argentina, Switzerland Secure Quarterfinal Spots in FIFA World Cup 2026
July 8: The quarterfinal teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have been confirmed after Argentina and Switzerland recorded important victories in their Round of 16 matches. Argentina reached the last eight after making a strong comeback against Egypt in a thrilling encounter. The team’s star player Lionel Messi once again played a crucial role in helping Argentina move forward in the tournament. Switzerland also…
Tata Power Plans 10 GW Solar Project in Odisha
Bhubaneswar, July 8 (UDN): Tata Power is set to expand its renewable energy presence with plans for a major 10 GW solar manufacturing project in Odisha, strengthening the state’s position in India’s clean energy sector. The proposed project is expected to enhance solar manufacturing capacity, attract fresh investments and create new employment opportunities in the renewable energy ecosystem. The initiative aligns with Tata Power’s broader…
Odisha Gears Up for Smarter Tolling with New Free-Flow Highway System
Bhubaneswar, July 8 (UDN): Odisha is preparing for the introduction of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system on National Highways, a move aimed at making highway travel faster, smoother and more convenient for commuters. The state government has begun arrangements to ensure eligible users receive exempted FASTags as part of the transition to the new technology-driven toll collection system. The initiative is being taken…
Four-Decade Land Rights Dispute Continues to Haunt 11 Villages Near Konark–Balukhand Sanctuary
Puri, July 8 (UDN): More than four decades after the Konark–Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary was notified, hundreds of families across 11 villages in Odisha’s Puri district continue to await legal clarity over their ancestral land, with residents urging the government to expedite the resolution of the long-pending dispute. The issue dates back to 1984, when the sanctuary was declared a protected area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act,…
Bhubaneswar to Get Odisha’s First Skywalk to Improve Pedestrian Safety
Bhubaneswar, July 8 (UDN): Odisha has taken a major step towards improving urban mobility with the launch of its first-ever skywalk project in Bhubaneswar. The foundation stone for the facility was laid on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a new pedestrian safety initiative along the busy NH-16 corridor between Palasuni and Rasulgarh. Pic Credit: https://x.com/AprajitaSarangi The Rs 18.42-crore steel-and-glass skywalk is being developed by the…
Car Collision Outside Odisha Assembly Leads to Two Arrests
Bhubaneswar, July 8 (UDN): A security concern was reported outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly after a car allegedly driven by an intoxicated person hit a barricade placed near the Assembly premises late Tuesday night. According to reports, the vehicle crashed into the security barricade, following which police took action and arrested two people in connection with the incident. Security personnel responded quickly after the incident…
IMD Issues Thunderstorm Alert for Odisha Districts
Bhubaneswar, July 8 (UDN): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in parts of Odisha, including Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts. The Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre has warned people to remain alert as thunderstorm activity is expected in some areas. Several parts of the state are still facing water accumulation due to recent rainfall, even as weather conditions are gradually…