Tag: Bhubaneswar

  • Clash at cinema hall over car parking in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar

    Clash at cinema hall over car parking in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar

    Bhubaneswar: Tension prevailed on the premises of Maharaja Cinema Hall between two groups on Saturday night.

    Report says, two groups had come to watch a movie at Maharaja cinema hall. They had an intense argument regrading car parking and later it turned to a physical altercation.

    As per the video, a girl was seen sitting on top of the car bonnet and started hitting it. A youth who was along with the girl broke the windows of the car.Later, the opponent group then dragged the girl down from the car and had physical fight.

    Following which, a large number of people who had come to watch movie gathered at the spot for nearly half an hour

    On getting information, police rushed to the spot and detained several members of both the groups.

  • Tathagata Satpathy’s ‘I am independent, not in BJD’ comment sparks political debate

    Tathagata Satpathy’s ‘I am independent, not in BJD’ comment sparks political debate

    Bhubaneswar: Former Dhenkanal MP Tathagata Satpathy sparked a political debate in Odisha politics after he said, ‘I am independent, not in BJD.’

    While speaking to the media persons on the occasion of the inauguration of the Sankha Bhavan, the new office building of BJD in Bhubaneswar, Satpathy said, “I am independent, not in BJD and have come here as a journalist. I came because the BJD president invited me. The Sankha Bhavan is looking great.”

    “I have no interest to contest in the 2024 elections,” he added.

    It is to be noted here that Tathagata Satpathy was a member of the 12th, 14th, 15th and 16th Lok Sabha. He represented the Dhenkanal constituency and was re-elected for the fourth time in 2014. He was also the Biju Janata Dal’s chief whip in the lower house of the Parliament. He did not contest the 2019 election and had announced not to stay away from politics and work as a journalist. Since then he was not seen in any of the programs of the State ruling party.

    However, his attendance at the inauguration of the Sankha Bhavan today has now become a subject of discussion in Odisha politics.

    Several senior politicians and BJD leaders and workers from across the State attended the inauguration of the Sankha Bhavan.

  • Scorching road accidents continue in the state, 4 killed in a day

    Scorching road accidents continue in the state, 4 killed in a day

    Bhubaneswar: Despite promotion of awareness about traffic rules by different agencies in Odisha, road accidents continue to take human lives as 4 persons were killed in separate mishaps on Saturday.

    In the first accident in the afternoon of the day, two youths were killed and one was injured after an SUV in which they were travelling rammed into a stationary truck in Bhadrak district.

    The mishap took place when the youths were coming in the SUV from West Bengal to Bhubaneswar on NH-16. As they reached Ranital under the Bhadrak Rural police limits, the driver crashed into the truck.

    The two youths died on the spot while the third person was critically injured. The locals informed the police.

    The police with the help of the locals brought the bodies of the deceased out of badly mangled vehicle. They also rushed the injured person to the district headquarters hospital (DHH). The identity of the victims has not been confirmed.

    In the other accident, a man and his three-year-old son were crushed to death after being run over by a truck in Talcher of Angul district.

    It may be noted that the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) had decided to hold a programme in the schools on April 22 to promote awareness among school students about traffic rules and bring down road accidents.

  • Odisha Skill Conclave 2023 concludes, 24 MoUs signed in various sectors

    Odisha Skill Conclave 2023 concludes, 24 MoUs signed in various sectors

    Bhubaneswar: As many as 24 MoUs in various sectors were signed during the 3-day Odisha Skill Conclave 2023 which concluded on Saturday.

    The MoUs were signed between the state government and reputed organisations including ITE Education Services – Singapore, Schneider Electric Foundation, Philips Machine Tools, Mitutoyo South Asia, Drone Federation of India, Festo, Coursera, ISB and others.

    Some of the key topics that were discussed during the conclave include diversity and inclusion, sector specific skilling, importance of internships and apprenticeship, role of up-and-coming technologies such as AI, robotics, etc. The discussions also revolved around the growing importance of gender empowerment and equality in skilling, and role of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).

    Experts across sectors such as energy, education, infrastructure, oil & gas, technology, among others showcased the avenues for employment. Corporate representatives from TATA, Larsen & Tubro, Bharat Petroleum, Schindler, Maruti Suzuki, among others highlighted the key areas that ensure employability for skilled workforce.

    Overall, the event saw participation from around 2,000 students, 360 teachers, 60 role models, 25 students from Singapore and 100 high level dignitaries including speakers across sectors.

    The conclave was hosted by the state government, Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI).

  • Mobile internet services resume in Sambalpur; 7 hours relaxation in curfew

    Mobile internet services resume in Sambalpur; 7 hours relaxation in curfew

    Bhubaneswar: After a gap of 10 days since Hanuman Jayanti group clash, internet services resumed in Odisha’s Sambalpur town on Sunday with overall improvement in situation which also saw curfew being relaxed from 5 am to 8 pm.

    Internet had been suspended since April 13 in the western Odisha town as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of inflammatory messages and fake messages amid the unrest. While broadband and leased line services were resumed for a limited time period of seven hours from 10 am to 5 pm, the suspension of mobile internet was extended till April 22.

    A toll-free number was also issued for the public to report circulation of inappropriate messages or posts carrying hatred speech or false news.

    Eid was a low-key affair in the town on Saturday as Muslim community offered prayers at different mosques. There was no mass prayer at Eidgah at Sakhipara due to restrictions on gatherings imposed by the districts administration.

    Meanwhile, the Odisha unit of the BJP has sought a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to unravel the alleged conspiracy behind the clash that occurred on April 12 and 14.

  • New Covid cases cross 500 in Odisha state; Sambalpur Weekly Positivity Rate 48%

    New Covid cases cross 500 in Odisha state; Sambalpur Weekly Positivity Rate 48%

    Bhubaneswar: The daily COVID caseload in Odisha breached the 500-mark with 502 of 6,616 samples testing positive for the virus in the last 24 hours, the state health department informed on Sunday.

    While the test positivity rate (TPR) has surged to 7.5%, Odisha now has 2,926 active cases.

    This came amid a sharp fall in new infections in India, which logged 10,112 cases against 12193 the previous day.

    Odisha had reported 489 fresh cases on Saturday and 387 and 431 infections on Thursday and Friday respectively, 377 on Wednesday while the daily caseloads on Tuesday and Monday were 269 and 268 respectively.

    Between April 16 and April 22, Sambalpur recorded a weekly TPR of 48.03% followed by 25% in Sonepur, 20.99% in Sundargarh, 14.10% in Kalahandi and 13.94% in Nuapada, according to data shared by the Health Ministry.

    The state has been witnessing a steady rise in the number of patients complaining of high fever and soar throat. Since most of those being screened are testing positive for COVID, the health experts suspect that others with similar symptoms might also be infected with coronavirus.

    Amid a a spurt in cases in two bordering blocks of Nabarangpur in last two weeks, the Odisha government on Friday asked officials of districts bordering Chhattisgarh to keep a track on people coming from the neighbouring state and test them for COVID-19 if they show symptoms. A team of health officials led by Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra also visited Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangapur to review the preparedness.

    The state has so far reported 3 deaths due to COVID this year.

    Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has upgraded Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 to a COVID-19 “variant of interest” (VOI) due to its “sustained increase” and “growth advantage” reported from several countries.

  • Naveen Patnaik Dedicates BJD’s New Office ‘Shankha Bhawan’ To People Of Odisha

    Naveen Patnaik Dedicates BJD’s New Office ‘Shankha Bhawan’ To People Of Odisha

    Bhubaneswar: On the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya, BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday inaugurated the office of ruling party, aptly named Sankha Bhavan, at Unit-6 area in Odisha capital.

    Sankha (conch) is BJD’s election symbol.

    Dedicating the building to its 4.5 crore denizens, the CM said that Sankha Bhawan will be a confluence point for all those striving for development of the state and protecting it dignity while building a new and empowered Odisha. “This will unite 4.5 crore people of the state. All the programmes of Shankha Bhawan will be dedicated to people of Odisha and aimed at protecting the interest of the state.”

    He further said that 1997 heralded a new era in Odisha politics with the formation of BJD by following the principles of legendary Biju Patnaik. The party, which served the people of Odisha, has now been transformed into a social movement, he added.

    Naveen said that Shankha Bhavan will not only be the centre of social, economic, cultural, and political progress, but also spiritual growth rooted in the principle of Jagannath culture. “It will continue to spread Jagannath culture across the globe while sending out the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

    He attributed BJD’s success to consistency and peaceful disposition. “Righteousness has led to joy and peace to prosperity ,” he said, spelling out the success mantra of the party.

  • CM Naveen Patnaik did ‘Akhi Muthi Anukula’ on Akshaya Tritiya, launched many programs

    CM Naveen Patnaik did ‘Akhi Muthi Anukula’ on Akshaya Tritiya, launched many programs

    Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday launched several people-oriented programmes on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya, which marks the commencement of agricultural activities before the onset of monsoon.

    The agrarian festival of ‘Akshaya Tritiya’ is being celebrated across Odisha as per the age-old tradition on Sunday. The day is also performed as State-Level Farmers’ Day.

    The Chief Minister visited the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) farm in Bhubaneswar and participated in the ‘Akhi Muthi Anukula’, the ceremonial act of sowing seeds in paddy fields and ploughing.

    Naveen also greeted the people and wished a good harvest season and prosperity of farmers.

    The Chief Minister then went to Lok Seva Bhawan and inaugurated Millet Shakti Cafe there. Realising the importance of Mandia and other millet food grains in tackling malnutrition, the state government has implemented the Millet Mission. So far 142 millet outlets have been opened in the state.

    On this occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated an ‘Agricultural Review Centre’, which will function as a ‘central command and control system’ in the state agriculture building.

    In the application of computer and information technology, it can help in decision-making by obtaining real-time information from the field level. The center will play an important role in the successful implementation of various schemes and support to the farmers.

    Principal Secretary, Agriculture department, Arabinda Padhee briefed the Chief Minister about the activities of the center.

    This apart, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a creche ‘Kalika’ for the children of the employees working in Lok Seva Bhavan. Currently, it can accommodate 20 children in the initial phase.

    Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, Women and Child Development Minister Basanti Hembram, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Secretary Mission Shakti Sujatha Karthikeyan Pandian and Secretary for Women and Child Development Shubha Sharma were present at this event.

  • Continuation of road accidents in the state, 4 died in a day

    Continuation of road accidents in the state, 4 died in a day

    Bhubaneswar: Despite promotion of awareness about traffic rules by different agencies in Odisha, road accidents continue to take lives as 4 persons were killed in separate mishaps on Saturday.

    In the first accident in the afternoon of the day, two youths were killed and one was injured after an SUV in which they were travelling rammed into a stationary truck in Bhadrak district.

    The mishap took place when the youths were coming in the SUV from West Bengal to Bhubaneswar on NH-16. As they reached Ranital under the Bhadrak Rural police limits, the driver crashed into the truck.

    The two youths died on the spot while the third person was critically injured. The locals informed the police.

    The police with the help of the locals brought the bodies of the deceased out of badly mangled vehicle. They also rushed the injured person to the district headquarters hospital (DHH). The identity of the victims has not been confirmed.

    In the other accident, a man and his three-year-old son were crushed to death after being run over by a truck in Talcher of Angul district.

    It may be noted that the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has decided to hold a programme in the schools on April 22 to promote awareness among school students about traffic rules and bring down road accidents.

  • Missing files of Puri Jagannath Temple traced: Odisha Law Department

    Missing files of Puri Jagannath Temple traced: Odisha Law Department

    Bhubaneswar: After reported disappearance of two files of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) triggered a row, the Odisha government clarified that both the files and have been traced.

    Putting an end to speculations, Law department principal secretary Dhaneswar Mallick said the files were not traceable and directions were issued to find them. “It is clarified that the files have been found,” he said in a statement.

    Official sources said that both the files had got mixed up with other routine files for which it was difficult to trace them. Earlier, the matter relating to the untraceable files came to the fore after a deputy secretary of the department wrote to all the sections under it to locate those two files on a priority basis.

    The files will be reportedly used for compliance with an order of the Orissa High Court. The department letter read, “Two files of JTA Section bearing No. JTA-55/2006(pt) and JTA-06/2014 are untraceable in the records of JTA Section. Therefore, it is hereby requested to all sections of this Department to conduct search operation in their records on a priority basis and submit the said files, if available, to JTA Section immediately for compliance with the order of the High Court.”

    It may be noted here that the opposition political parties and others had launched a scathing attack on the state government over the issue accusing it of neglecting matters relating to Lord Jagannath.

    Opposition BJP had lodged a complaint at the Capital police station in Bhubaneswar on Friday regarding the two files going untraceable.