Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): As the nation observed the 51st anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency on Thursday, political leaders, former detainees and senior journalists in Odisha reflected on one of the most debated and defining chapters in India’s democratic history. The Emergency, declared by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the night of June 25, 1975, remained in force for nearly 21…
Folk Dances of Odisha: A Cultural Heritage
Dance is an important expression of culture, and Odisha’s folk dances reflect the traditions, emotions, and lifestyle of its people. Unlike classical dances, which follow fixed rules, ancient texts, and formal techniques, folk dances develop naturally from community life, festivals, and local customs. Odisha’s folk dances are simple, energetic, and closely connected with nature, social celebrations, and traditional beliefs. They serve as a bridge between…
300 Turtles Rescued, Three Arrested in Major Wildlife Smuggling Bust in Malkangiri
Malkangiri, June 25 (UDN): In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, the Forest Department on Thursday rescued around 300 freshwater turtles and arrested three persons near Padmagiri Chhak in Odisha’s Malkangiri district. The turtles were allegedly being smuggled from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh into Malkangiri for illegal trade and consumption, officials said. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, forest officials launched a special operation and set…
Elderly Man’s Body Transported on Bicycle in Bargarh After Villagers Allegedly Boycott Last Rites
Bargarh, June 25 (UDN): In a distressing incident highlighting the persistence of social ostracism, the body of an elderly man was allegedly transported on a bicycle in Kantapada village under Paikamal block of Bargarh district after villagers reportedly refused to assist in his last rites. According to sources, the elderly man passed away at his residence in the village. However, family members allegedly failed to…
Russia Considers Gasoline Imports from India Amid Refinery Disruptions: Report
June 25: Russia is reportedly exploring the possibility of importing gasoline from India as it navigates temporary disruptions in its domestic refinery operations, according to recent reports. The development highlights emerging energy trade dynamics between the two countries, with India’s refining capacity increasingly positioned as a potential source of supply in global fuel markets. India, one of the world’s largest refining hubs, has expanded its…
Chandrika Death Case: OAS Officer Bhimsen Allegedly Met Medical Student Before Her Death
Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): The investigation into the death of medical student Chandrika has taken a fresh turn with reports suggesting that OAS officer Bhimsen had allegedly met her shortly before her death. According to sources familiar with the investigation, evidence collected during the probe indicates that the officer and the deceased had met prior to the incident. Investigating agencies are reportedly examining the nature…
India’s Growth Driven by Resilience, Learning and Ambition: Piyush Goyal
June 25: Union Minister Piyush Goyal has said that India’s growth journey continues to be shaped by resilience, a strong culture of learning, and national ambition. He noted that India has consistently shown the ability to adapt to global challenges while maintaining steady economic progress. This resilience, he said, has played a key role in strengthening the country’s position in the global economy. Goyal further…
Odisha’s First Proposed Riverine Port in Kendrapada Remains in Limbo Seven Years After Announcement
Kendrapada, June 25 (UDN): More than seven years after it was announced with much fanfare, Odisha’s first proposed riverine port on the Mahanadi River in Mahakalapada block of Kendrapada district continues to remain in limbo, with little progress visible on the ground. The ambitious project was announced by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during his visit to Kendrapada on December 8, 2018. Envisaged under the…
Nagpur Airport to Power Development Across Central India: Nitin Gadkari
June 25: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that Nagpur Airport is set to play a key role in driving economic growth across Central India, supported by ongoing infrastructure development and improving connectivity. He highlighted that Nagpur’s central location gives it a natural advantage to emerge as an important aviation and logistics hub in the coming years. With continued upgrades and expansion, the airport is…
EPFO Services to Remain Temporarily Unavailable Due to System Migration
June 25: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced that several of its online services will remain temporarily unavailable for a couple of days as part of a planned system migration initiative aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure and improving service delivery. The temporary disruption is necessary to facilitate the migration of EPFO’s existing systems to a more advanced technology platform. The upgrade is expected…