Bhubaneswae, July 3 {UDN}: All colleges across the state will be declared drug-free zones. No liquor or tobacco shops will be allowed within a 500-metre radius of any college campus. The initiative aims to create a healthier and safer environment for students by discouraging substance abuse. Authorities will strictly enforce the new guidelines and take action against violators. Awareness campaigns will also be conducted in…
Global leaders launch AI for Good Global Commission to expand access, strengthen trust and accelerate impact
Geneva, 03 July 2026 Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, Salesforce Chair and CEO Marc Benioff, and ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin today announced the launch of the AI for Good Global Commission. The Commission brings together more than 40 Founding Members — including Heads of State and Government, industry CEOs and top executives, and Heads of UN agencies — to help define practical pathways to strengthen…
Odisha to Distribute One Crore Revised Copies of Lakshmi Purana, Plans ‘Mahalakshmi Corridor’ at Balaram Das’ Birthplace
Bhubaneswar, July 2 (UDN): The Odisha government has announced an ambitious initiative to distribute one crore revised copies of the Lakshmi Purana across the state while developing a ‘Mahalakshmi Corridor’ at the birthplace of renowned medieval poet Balaram Das as part of efforts to preserve and promote Odisha’s cultural and literary heritage. The announcement forms part of the state’s broader initiative to popularise the revered…
Odisha Govt Seeks Public Feedback on Revised Primary School Textbooks After Error Controversy
Bhubaneswar, July 2 (UDN): In a bid to improve the quality of school education and address concerns over errors in recently introduced textbooks, the Odisha government has invited public feedback on revised textbooks prepared for students of Classes I to IV. The School and Mass Education Department has uploaded the draft textbooks on the official websites of the department, the Directorate of Teacher Education, the…
Odisha’s Pakhala Dibasa Celebration Cost ₹2.32 Crore; Expenditure Details Trigger Debate
Bhubaneswar, July 2 (UDN): The Odisha government’s expenditure on the official Pakhala Dibasa 2026 celebration has come under public scrutiny after official records revealed that the state-sponsored event cost ₹2,31,92,117 (approximately ₹2.32 crore). Representational Image The event, organised by the Tourism Department to promote Odisha’s traditional cuisine and cultural heritage, has sparked a debate over the scale of public expenditure, with critics seeking greater transparency…
Stray Dog Menace Deepens in Rourkela; 2,600 Bite Cases Reported in Three Months
Rourkela, July 2 (UDN): The growing stray dog population in Rourkela has emerged as a serious public safety and health concern, with over 2,600 dog bite cases reported at Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) in the past 90 days. The alarming rise in attacks has intensified demands for immediate intervention by the authorities to curb the menace. Representational Image According to official estimates, more than 5,000…
Heavy Rain Exposes Damage on Under-Construction Six-Lane Road in Cuttack; High-Level Probe Ordered
Cuttack, July 2 (UDN): A major stretch of an under-construction six-lane road in Odisha’s Cuttack district caved in following heavy rainfall, raising serious concerns over the quality of construction and prompting the district administration to order a high-level inquiry. The damaged stretch, located near Bhuasuni Gada on the Chahata Square–Madhusetu Road project, extends for nearly 100 metres. The adjoining retaining wall also collapsed after the…
Hotel Owner Dies After Electrocution While Chasing Monkeys from Rooftop in Odisha’s Kandhamal
Baliguda, July 2 (UDN): A routine attempt to drive away monkeys turned fatal for a young hotel owner in Odisha’s Kandhamal district after he was electrocuted by an overhead high-voltage power line. The deceased, identified as Manoj Kumar Panda, a resident of Baliguda, reportedly climbed onto the roof of his hotel on Wednesday after noticing a group of monkeys creating a disturbance on the premises. According…
Indians secure two podium finishes at Czech Disabled Golf Masters 2026
BENGALURU, July 2, 2026: Two Indian golfers with disabilities secured podium finishes in Nett Stroke Play at the Czech Disabled Golf Masters 2026, held at Golf Resort Black Bridge, Prague. Vishnu Vardhan Bhati from NOIDA finished second with an overall 2 under par. Bhati led the field at 6 under after Round 1 but faced energy-sapping heat during the final round to secure the…
‘Samruddha Odisha 2036’ Vision Gains Momentum with Rs 1.10 Lakh Crore Aluminium Project: CM Mohan Majhi
Bhubaneswar, July 2 (UDN): Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday said Odisha’s long-term development roadmap, ‘Samruddha Odisha 2036’, has received a major boost with the launch of a Rs 1.10 lakh crore aluminium project, describing it as a landmark investment that will accelerate the state’s industrial transformation and economic growth. The Chief Minister said the mega project reflects growing investor confidence in Odisha and…