Page 4 - Odisha

Odisha seeks nod to divert forest land for Tata Steel iron ore block

The state has sought approval to divert over 216 ha of forest land in Keonjhar for Tata Steel's Gandhalapada iron ore block to support its expansion and captive mining plans

3 killed as Nor'wester wreaks havoc in Odisha's Mayurbhanj, Puri districts

At least three persons died and three others were injured as Nor'westers wreaked havoc in Odisha's Mayurbhanj and Puri districts, police said Saturday. Strong winds followed by thunderstorms lashed the Mayurbhanj district headquarters, Baripada, around 11 pm on Friday, an officer said. "Two people were killed, and three others were injured. The deceased were travelling on motorcycles when the Nor'wester hit the region. Due to the storms, they lost control of their two-wheelers and hit the roadside trees," he said. The deceased have been identified as Ramdas Hansada of Asanayoda and Nagen Murmu of Khunta area in the district. The three injured are undergoing treatment at the Baripada district headquarters. A man, identified as Jagannath Behera of Alis village under the Pipili Police Station limits in Puri, died after a coconut tree fell on him during the storms in the district on Friday night, another officer said. Several houses were damaged by strong winds in Kanas, Delanga and

Pilgrimage turns tragic as 5 die, over 30 hurt in Odisha's Nayagarh

A bus carrying around 60 pilgrims from Berhampur overturned in Odisha's Nayagarh district late on Friday night, leaving five people dead and over 30 injured, many of them critically

Odisha's Subhadra scheme boosts savings 45%, spending 28%: SBI Research

SBI Research finds Odisha's Subhadra DBT scheme has lifted savings and spending among women beneficiaries, with strong gains among financially excluded households

CAG exposes diversion of DMF funds to non-mining areas of Odisha

A CAG audit has flagged diversion of DMF funds, approval violations and project irregularities in Odisha, raising concerns over welfare of mining-affected communities

Odisha unveils new three-year excise policy, adds de-addiction cess

Odisha's new three-year excise policy introduces a 0.5% de-addiction cess, tighter liquor controls, and reforms to improve transparency, compliance and revenue collection

Odisha conviction rate in crimes against women among highest in country: CM

State reports significant rise in convictions with faster investigations and trials; ₹10,786 crore Home budget focuses on policing reforms and infrastructure

Dharmendra Pradhan urges fast-tracking of ₹8,743 cr Chandikhol SPR

Union minister flags energy security risks amid West Asia tensions; project expected to boost reserves and add over seven days of crude cover

West Asia crisis: Jindal Steel doubles Angul complex capacity to 12 MTPA

Jindal Steel doubles Angul complex capacity to 12 MTPA, strengthening domestic production and reducing import dependence amid global supply disruptions

Odisha keeps power tariff unchanged for fifth year despite rising costs

Regulator retains electricity rates for FY27 despite rising procurement costs, offering relief to consumers while introducing incentives for digital payments and efficiency

Odisha to take authentic Odia cuisine nationwide via restaurant chain plan

Odisha plans to promote its culinary heritage nationwide through dedicated restaurant chains across metros and tourist hubs, aiming to boost gastronomy tourism and cultural branding

Coal India plans two washeries, ammonium nitrate plant in Odisha

Coal India plans two washeries and a coal gasification-based ammonium nitrate plant in Odisha to boost value addition and reduce raw coal transport

In a first, Odisha set to auction three gold-bearing mineral blocks

Gold blocks are part of 34 mineral blocks, including 25 major mineral blocks and nine critical blocks

Centre seeks report from Odisha on felling of 2,000 trees at NIT campus

MoEF&CC seeks an action taken report from Odisha over proposal to fell over 2,000 trees at NIT Rourkela, flagging environmental concerns and asking for detailed examination

Odisha loses another melanistic tiger to poaching; nine arrested

Odisha has lost another rare melanistic tiger to poaching, with nine arrested and a hide seized near Similipal, raising concerns over protection measures

Odisha govt launches ₹2,612 crore water projects on World Water Day

Chief Minister unveils irrigation, drinking water and recharge projects, calls for conservation drive and community participation to strengthen water security

Orissa High Court upholds elderly man's right to stay in ancestral home

Court upholds tribunal order allowing 86-year-old to reside in his ancestral house, reinforcing dignity and protection of senior citizens under the law

Close shave for Odisha MLA as bus with 36 passengers catches fire

As many as 37 passengers, including Odisha's Congress MLA Mangu Khila, had a narrow escape when the bus in which they were travelling from Bhubaneswar to Nabarangpur caught fire after a rear tyre burst early on Saturday, police said. The incident took place near Ramabhadrapuram in Andhra Pradesh. All the passengers and crew members were safely evacuated before the bus was completely gutted in the fire, Khila told reporters. Police said all the passengers, including the MLA, were safely evacuated without any injuries. The prompt response of the driver and the alertness of passengers helped avert a major tragedy, the police said, adding that fire services personnel and local authorities reached the spot and brought the fire under control, although the vehicle could not be saved. The MLA from Chitrakonda assembly segment in Malkangiri district said, "The bus caught fire when all the passengers, including me, were in deep sleep. The driver's presence of mind saved all. He stopped the b

Odisha enters Guinness records with Pakhala Divas, serves over 1 tonne

State serves over 1 tonne of fermented rice dish to 2,000 people, blending cultural celebration, sustainability and outreach while promoting Odia cuisine globally

Odisha loses ₹4,162 crore to iron ore undervaluation, steps up checks

State reports Rs 4,162 crore loss due to ore undervaluation, introduces AI-driven monitoring and stricter rules to curb misreporting and improve transparency in mining