Page 13 - Odisha

KIIT university row: Odisha govt orders probe, six arrested: What we know so far

The tragic death of a 20-year-old Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, at Odisha’s KIIT University has sparked widespread protests and diplomatic tensions between India and Nepal.

KIIT suicide: Nepal's FM Deuba speaks with Odisha's education minister

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has on Wednesday requested Odisha Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj to make arrangements for impartial investigation into the death of a Nepalese student and take legal action against the culprit. During a telephone call, she also asked the Indian minister to ensure that classes resume for other Nepalese students in the university in his state in a safe environment, according to a statement from the secretariat of the Foreign Minister. Prakriti Lamsal, 20, a third-year B Tech (Computer Science) student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, allegedly died by suicide at her hostel room on February 16, leading to unrest on the campus. During the conversation, Suryabanshi informed that the Odisha government has taken the matter seriously and a high-level probe committee has been formed to provide justice to Lamsal and punish the culprit. He also assured that arrangements have been made for the safety of Nepalese students in

KIIT University suicide case: Nepali student's death sparks diplomatic row

KIIT suicide row: The Nepali student, a third-year BTech Computer Science major, died allegedly by suicide following alleged physical and verbal abuse by her 21-year-old batchmate

KIIT suicide: Staffers apologise over viral remark against Nepali students

Two staff members were recorded making remarks that drew comparisons between the university's budget and Nepal's national budget, sparking widespread criticism

KIIT suicide row: Nepal PM steps in; accused held - what we know so far

A third-year BTech student from Nepal was found dead in her hostel room, with allegations surfacing that she was harassed and blackmailed by her 21-year-old batchmate from Lucknow, Advik Srivastava

Odisha CM presents Rs 2.90 trn Budget for FY26, focuses on agri, irrigation

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday presented a Rs 2.90-lakh crore state budget for the 2025-26 fiscal (FY'26) with a focus on agriculture and irrigation. Noting that around 48 per cent of the state's workforce depends on agriculture and 80 per cent of people live in rural areas, Majhi, who also holds the finance portfolio, said that his government allocated Rs 37,838 crore for the farm and allied sector in the budget. The allocation proposed for the farm sector reflects an increase of nearly 12 per cent, Majhi said while presenting the budget in the assembly. He also said the estimates for the sector include an allocation of Rs 2,020 crore for 'CM Kisan Yojana' and Rs 600 crore for the 'Shree Anna Abhiyan' for the promotion of millets. This was the first full-fledged budget of the BJP government after the party came to power in the state last year. Majhi had presented an interim budget of Rs 2.65 lakh crore for the 2024-25 fiscal in July last year. During his budg

Odisha's economy estimated to grow by 7.2% in FY25: State survey

Odisha's economy is estimated to grow by 7.2 per cent in the current financial year, which is higher than the all-India growth rate of 6.4 per cent, according to the state economic survey report for the 2024-25 fiscal. The report, which was laid before the state assembly on Saturday evening, stated that the size of Odisha's economy proxied by GSDP at current prices is estimated to be at Rs 9.5 lakh crore in 2024-25 which has increased by 10 per cent from Rs 8.6 lakh crore in the 2023-24 fiscal. All the sectors have shown robust growth in the financial year 2024-25 and the state is poised for rapid growth in the years ahead. Higher capital investment and investment intent received through Utkarsh Odisha would further increase growth rate in the state in future, an official statement highlighting the key points of the report said. Similarly, the per capita income has increased by 10.6 per cent to reach Rs 1,82,548 in 2024-25 (advance estimate) while per capita income at all-India leve

Indian players visit Puri temple ahead of India vs England 2nd ODI

The trio sought blessings from Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra at the temple during an early morning visit.

Odisha CM Majhi disburses Rs 900 cr to 1.8 mn women under Subhadra scheme

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday disbursed Rs 5,000 each to over 18 lakh women beneficiaries under Subhadra Yojana in the 4th phase of the first instalment in the state. Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Majhi disbursed about Rs 900 crore through direct bank transfer (DBT) system at a function held in Jajpur district. With this, a total of over 98 lakh women have received Rs 5,000 each under the Subhadra Yojana launched by the BJP government in Odisha. Fulfilling the promise, the people's government has provided direct assistance to the beneficiaries through DBT, which has played a significant role in strengthening their financial condition, he said. The chief minister said this scheme is fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the mother power of the state and is helping to build a prosperous Odisha. I believe that all the beneficiaries can empower themselves and strengthen their economic status through sm

FIR lodged against Rahul in Odisha for making 'anti-national' statement

An FIR has been registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Odisha's Jharsuguda district for allegedly making an "anti-national" statement, a senior police officer said on Saturday. The FIR was registered on Friday based on a complaint lodged by members of BJP, its youth wing, RSS, Bajrang Dal, of Jharsuguda district against Gandhi to IGP Northern Range, Himanshu Lal on February 5, the officer said. An FIR has been registered against Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, at Jharsuguda police station (case No 31) under section 152 (criminalizes acts that threaten India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity), 197(1) (d) (for making or publishing false or misleading information that threatens India's unity, sovereignty, integrity, or security) of BNS, the officer said. The complaint alleged that Gandhi has been deliberately making anti-national statements which hurt each and every Indian individual. The IGP forwarded the complaint to Jharsuguda SP Parmar Smit Parshottamd

Odisha asks Rs 12.59 trn from Finance Commission, 50% divisible pool share

The Odisha government on Thursday requested Rs 12.59 lakh crore from the 16th Finance Commission and sought an increase in the state's share of the central divisible pool to 50 per cent from the current 41 per cent. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the request during a meeting with the Finance Commission team, led by Chairman Aravind Panagariya, emphasising that the demand was crucial for the state's development, particularly as it aims to become one of the country's developed states by 2036, marking its centenary. Addressing a press conference, Panagariya said many states including Odisha have demanded increasing their share to 50 per cent from the central divisible pool. The 16th Finance Commission is mandated to submit its report with the President of India in October 2025 and make its recommendation after visiting 28 states and taking views of all the stakeholders. "The commission has visited several states and held consultations. Maximum states demanded an increase in the

Odisha Vigilance searches 7 locations linked to Deputy Director Mohapatra

The searches are part of an investigation into allegations of disproportionate assets (DA) against Mohapatra

Welspun New Energy to invest Rs 13.5k cr in clean energy projects in Odisha

Welspun New Energy has signed a pact with the Odisha government to invest Rs 13,500 crore for the development of two clean energy projects in the state, a statement said on Tuesday. Under this agreement, Welspun New Energy has committed investments worth Rs 13,500 crore to develop a 1,200 MW pumped hydro project and a 1,000 MW floating solar power project in Odisha, its parent firm Welspun World said in the statement. These projects are expected to enhance the state's energy storage capacity, support the integration of renewable energy into the grid, and contribute to India's overall target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, it added. "The projects, backed by our Rs 13,500 crore investment in green technologies, mark a key milestone in our mission to accelerate renewable energy adoption in the state, highlighting our unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability," Kapil Maheshwari, Executive Director & CEO of Welspun New Energy, said. Welspun World .

Odisha govt to construct 15,000 km of roads every year, says PWD minister

The BJP government in Odisha has set a target of constructing 15,000 km of roads every year, Public Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said. A total of 75,000 km of roads will be constructed in the state over the next five years, he said after chairing a meeting of the department on Friday. A policy on improvement of road communication will also be formulated and address various issues, including reducing road accidents, he said. Harichandan said that to address the problem of roads being dug regularly for laying water pipes, electricity lines, telephone and internet cables, special utility corridors will be built. The policy will also address concerns regarding cutting trees for road construction, he said. It will also mention construction methods and standards for short, medium and long bridges, the minister said. "As problems arise in land acquisition while building roads in rural areas, there will be a special financial provision to resolve this," he said. "Not only new r

Avaada, Casale partner to develop India's largest green ammonia plant

Avaada Group on Friday announced its strategic collaboration with Casale to develop India's largest green ammonia plant, with an annual production capacity of 1,500 tonnes per day, in Gopalpur, Odisha. This milestone project marks a major advancement in Avaada's mission to drive decarbonisation, innovation, and sustainable industrial growth, further solidifying its role in India's clean energy revolution, a company statement said. According to the statement, Avaada Group, a leader in India's renewable energy sector, inked a strategic collaboration with Casale, a global pioneer in ammonia technology, to develop a 1,500 tons per day (TPD) green ammonia plant in Gopalpur, Odisha. The Gopalpur plant will be powered entirely by renewable energy, utilising Casale's advanced ammonia production technology to ensure a carbon-free process. It will provide the green ammonia process license, basic engineering package, proprietary equipment, and detailed engineering review, helping to create a .

Odisha's green economy may generate 1 mn new jobs by 2030: CEEW study

The study, titled "How a Green Economy Can Deliver Jobs, Growth and sustainability in Odisha," calculates the jobs, market, and investment opportunities across these 28 value chains

Decentralisation of industries, rural employment key priorities: CM Majhi

Our government is committed to making Odisha one of the most business-friendly states in India. We have a single-window clearance system for investors, said CM Majhi

Odisha to set up industrial park for women entrepreneurs, says CM Majhi

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday said an industrial park exclusively for women entrepreneurs would be set up in the state. Attending the plenary session on women entrepreneurship enabled by 'Subhadra' on the second day of the 'Utkarsh Odisha, Make in Odisha Conclave, 2025' here on Wednesday, Majhi said a special cell for women entrepreneurs will also be opened at the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (IPICOL). "I want to make two announcements to promote women in entrepreneurship. First, the government has decided to open an industrial park exclusively for women and the second is opening of a special cell for women at IPICOL," Majhi said. The CM said that he was hopeful that these two measures will encourage women to start business independently. He also sought suggestions from women business leaders on how to further raise women's participation in business. The session prepares a roadmap to shape the future of 'Subhadra' industr

Adani Group commits Rs 2.3 trillion investment in Odisha over next 5 years

Adani Group on Tuesday committed to investing Rs 2.3 lakh crore over the next five years across power, cement, industrial parks, aluminium and city gas expansion in Odisha. According to a statement by the group, the investment commitment was made during Utkarsh Odisha 2025 - the state's investor meeting. Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ), met state Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majgi and exchanged MoUs for investment in Odisha over the next five years, it added. "The Adani Group committed to invest Rs 2.3 lakh crore over the next five years across power, cement, industrial parks, aluminium, city Gas etc," the statement said. It, however, did not give details. "This is the biggest investment intent by any group in Utkarsh Odisha 2025." Also, the first test flight landed at Dhamra Airstrip successfully on Tuesday. Additionally, on the occasion of Utkarsh Odisha, six projects of ATGL in Odisha were commissioned. These include an EV charging station

Jindal Steel and Power to invest an additional Rs 70,000 crore in Odisha

Jindal Steel & Power on Tuesday said it will invest an additional Rs 70,000 crore in Odisha in the coming years. The announcement was made by the company's Chairman Naveen Jindal during the Utkarsh Odisha-Make In Odisha Conclave' here. Our vision is to make Odisha a global industrial leader, while improving the quality of life for its people consistently. This additional Rs 70,000-crore investment will not only drive industrial growth, but also uplift the quality of life of thousands of families in Odisha, Jindal said. He also said the company was exploring the possibility of setting up a steel plant in Keonjhar district to fulfill the vision of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, he said. Jindal Steel & Power operates India's first coal gasification plant for steel production in Angul, with focus on reducing dependence on imported coking coal. The company's Angul plant, currently at 6-MTPA capacity, will double to 12 MTPA this year and is set to reach 25.2 MTPA by 2030, ...