Odisha is grappling with a persistent issue where mafias are reportedly planting cannabis on unused government land. This ongoing problem highlights a significant challenge for authorities in controlling illegal drug cultivation in the region.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express+1ndtv1d ago4 sources
Former Trinamool Congress MLA Nirmal Ghosh was arrested in Odisha in connection with the RG Kar rape-murder case, two years after the incident. Ghosh is accused of playing a role in the hurried cremation of the victim, allegedly to cover up the crime.
The investigation into an Air India flight's 300-foot plunge over Odisha is widening, with a Civil Aviation Ministry note notably omitting the word "turbulence" when describing the incident.
A woman in Odisha, India, died shortly after receiving an injection at a medical store for fever, reportedly developing severe adverse reactions and deteriorating rapidly before reaching a hospital.
India has successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Agni-4 ballistic missile, which has a strike range of 4,000 kilometers. The launch took place from Odisha, marking another advancement in India's defense capabilities.
The Supreme Court has acquitted an Odisha man who spent 22 years in jail for a triple murder case, citing unreliable evidence. The court's decision highlighted the significant time the man lost due to the conviction.
Odisha is seeking assistance from the Central government to secure a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity tag for its annual Rath Yatra festival.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo as the country's largest ever, with cases intensifying at an exceptional rate. The outbreak has surpassed 3,500 cases and resulted in 1,587 deaths, raising concerns about its control.
The Indian state of Odisha is drafting a new anti-trafficking policy to shift from a reactive policing model to a systemic, survivor-centred strategy, aiming to improve conviction rates.
Heavy rainfall caused by a deep depression has led to the closure of schools in three districts of Odisha, India. Baleshwar recorded 246mm of rainfall, prompting officials to take precautionary measures.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has called for the resignation of the state's education minister, citing moral responsibility for significant errors found in textbooks.
Schools in three districts of Odisha have been closed following a heavy rain warning and a 'red alert' issued by the IMD, predicting widespread rainfall and squally weather.
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike protesting exam leaks, though the 'Cockroach Movement' and other youth protests are vowing to continue their demonstrations. Wangchuk's decision clears the way for potential talks between protest leaders and the government.
India's National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the sealing of chromium-tainted wells in Sukinda valley, Odisha, a region holding nearly all of India's chromite reserves.
An investigation into the Kandhamal riots and other reports are reportedly 'missing' in Odisha, India, leading to the summoning of former Chief Minister's Office officials.
The Odisha government has introduced a fee waiver for eligible regular courses from KG to PG in state universities, government colleges, and private aided colleges, subject to a 75% attendance requirement. Professional courses are exempt from this waiver.
An ATM was stolen in a daring heist in Odisha, India, when a vehicle was used to pull it out with a rope, captured on camera. Locals have reported an increase in thefts and robberies in the region.
Odisha is pioneering a new approach to housing schemes by integrating rooftop solar systems into affordable homes. This initiative allows low-income families to acquire subsidized solar panels, aiming to reduce their long-term electricity costs.
Draft voter rolls have been published for three Indian states, with Odisha seeing the largest contraction of 2.01 million voters removed, followed by 158,000 in Manipur.
Odisha has developed a plan to make its power grid disaster-proof but requires over Rs 9,000 crore in funding from the central government to implement it.
A joint venture between India's Adani Group and UAE's International Holding Company (IHC) has announced an $11.5 billion aluminium project in Odisha, India. This marks Odisha's largest-ever foreign direct investment.
Odisha authorities have filed eight First Information Reports (FIRs) regarding illegal recruitment practices, marking the first coordinated criminal action against a seafood processing company following industrial disaster deaths in Tamil Nadu.
The Indian state of Odisha has facilitated the return of 62 migrant workers, primarily from Keonjhar district, following a gas leak incident in Tamil Nadu.
Forest officials in Nabarangpur, India, arrested a pastor from Khaliguda village after seizing a Royal Bengal Tiger skin he was allegedly attempting to sell.
Prime Minister Modi extended birthday greetings to President Murmu, highlighting her inspiring journey of perseverance and determination, born into a Santhal tribal family in Odisha.
A delay in social security pension payments in Odisha has ignited a political dispute, with Chief Minister Patnaik labeling the situation a 'governance failure'.
Odisha state board textbooks are reportedly riddled with errors, including a notable instance where Isaac Newton was incorrectly described as a "great pilot."
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered an inquiry into numerous errors found in school textbooks, following reports from the Primary Teachers Association identifying 1,678 mistakes.
India's Supreme Court has issued a directive to the state of Odisha, instructing it to provide all necessary amenities to a visually impaired man and his mother who are living in poverty.
India successfully conducted a textbook firing of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), a successor to the Nirbhay experiment, from Odisha.
The Indian state of Odisha has officially rewritten 64 place names that originated during the colonial era, changing them to reflect local heritage, such as Cuttack to Kataka.
The registration deadline for the Common Application Form (CAF) for Odisha SAMS UG Admissions 2026 has been extended until June 16, with revised dates announced for the admission process.
Police exhumed the remains of a 26-year-old woman in Odisha 26 days after her disappearance, subsequently arresting her boyfriend on suspicion of murder, believing he killed her over another relationship.
An Odisha teenager, seeking a job to fund her mother's surgery, was trafficked to Uttar Pradesh by a local man and has been held captive for two years.
Eleven countries are set to participate in the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) meeting, scheduled to take place in Puri, Odisha, from June 3-5, with Odisha chosen for its recognized achievements in disaster preparedness.
Intel and 3DGS have jointly announced plans for a new $3.3 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility to be established in Odisha, India, marking a significant investment in the region's tech infrastructure.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has warned the Election Commission that approximately 30 lakh migrant workers in Odisha may be unable to participate in the ongoing voter roll revision process.
Intel and 3DGS are partnering to set up a $3.3 billion substrate plant in India's Odisha state, marking a significant investment in the region's manufacturing capabilities.
A court has criticized the Odisha government for dismissing elephant conservation researchers after a decade of service. The decision has raised concerns about the future of wildlife research in the region.
The BJP leadership has instructed its Odisha unit to become more active and expand its footprint ahead of the panchayat polls, noting that leaders were avoiding necessary travel to connect with the masses.
A fire at Odisha's Machhkund Hydroelectric Power Project injured four workers and caused over ₹2 crore in equipment damage, disrupting power generation.
Separate fatal road accidents occurred, with six people, including two children, killed in Odisha, India, when a bus hit an autorickshaw, and a deadly accident on the D6 highway in the Czech Republic caused by a detached wheel.
An engineer in Odisha, India, who started with a modest salary 20 years ago, has been found by vigilance officials to own 97 land plots and multiple farmhouses, indicating a significant corruption case.
Police in Odisha, India, have arrested 26 individuals for allegedly killing a man over suspicion of witchcraft, beating him to death and then burning his body to destroy evidence.
The Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) Odisha has announced the Class 12 results for 2026, with an overall pass rate of 82.45% and the Science stream recording the highest success.
The Supreme Court has instructed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to defer its decision regarding the selection of the Director General of Police (DGP) for Odisha.
Odisha is bracing for continued heavy rainfall, prompting the weather agency to issue a red warning for the entire state. Residents are advised to take precautions as severe weather persists.
The selection of Odisha's next Director General of Police (DGP) has been delayed, as the UPSC's empanelment committee faces procedural and integrity concerns while shortlisting three officers for the role.
More than 70 people, including 30 children, have fallen ill after a community feast in Balasore, Odisha, with officials suspecting contaminated food or water as the cause.
Odisha's Pucca Ghar Yojana (Mining) aims to provide durable housing solutions for eligible households in 36 blocks across nine mineral-rich districts impacted by mining, offering financial aid for construction.
A special intensive revision of the Gurgaon draft electoral roll has resulted in a 30% reduction, with nearly one in three names missing from the list.
Odisha Chief Minister Majhi anticipates that the Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh will be resolved before Diwali. This follows a tripartite meeting aimed at negotiation between the states.
The death toll from the recent earthquake in Japan has risen to 34, with significant damage reported to infrastructure, including nine ports experiencing liquefaction and cracks, and the 400-year-old Kumamoto Castle sustaining damage. The Japanese Red Cross Society has begun accepting donations to aid recovery efforts, while some semiconductor-related businesses are resuming operations.
The Odisha Crime Branch will investigate the disappearance of a judicial report concerning the 2008 killing of VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati and four associates by Maoists in Kandhamal district.
A deep depression has formed over the Odisha-West Bengal coasts, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue warnings for 'extreme' rainfall in the region.
A social media post by the daughter of Odisha BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi, welcoming Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, caused discontent among party workers and leaders.
India's HCLTech announced plans to invest $1.48 billion in establishing an AI data center and a 5,000-seat technology hub in the state of Odisha. This initiative will be undertaken in collaboration with a domestic startup.
Odisha police have summoned former IAS officer V.K. Pandian in connection with an inquiry into missing inquiry reports. The summons comes as authorities investigate the disappearance of crucial documents.
The Odisha government has confirmed the deaths of two devotees during the annual Rath Yatra festival but has denied reports of any stampede-like incident.
Bank branches in Odisha, Uttarakhand, and Manipur are closed on July 16 for the Rath Yatra and Harela festival celebrations, though online banking services remain available.
India's Supreme Court has asked the Odisha state government to decide on the premature release plea of Dara Singh, who was convicted in the Staines murder case. The top court entertained his plea in August 2024.
A gang of thieves used a Mahindra Thar SUV to uproot an ATM in Balasore, Odisha, and fled with the cash. CCTV footage captured the incident, which occurred early Saturday morning under Khaira police station limits.
The SAMS Odisha +2 First Merit List for 2026 admissions has been released, detailing seat allotments and the schedule for the next steps in the admission process for students.
Ten fishermen from Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district were rescued after their mechanized fishing boat suffered an engine failure and drifted off the Odisha coast near Puri.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha announced that approximately 2 million names have been deleted from the state's electoral rolls, primarily due to deaths, migration, and duplicate enrolments, with final rolls expected by September 6.
An Odisha court has convicted 14 women in a 23-year-old case involving the public humiliation of a couple, who were allegedly stripped, garlanded with footwear, had their faces blackened, and forced to walk through a village.
Karan Adani stated that the Adani Group views Odisha as the heart of Eastern India's economic growth, emphasizing that Chairman Gautam Adani sees not just resources but resilience in the state.
The Odisha government in India is set to withdraw school textbooks after teachers pointed out numerous errors, including incorrect names of personalities, swapped images, and historical mix-ups like Hampi and Konark.
West Bengal's education department is considering adopting an Odisha-like model to ensure eggs remain on the midday meal menu, offering schools additional funds to purchase them independently. This initiative aims to address the controversy surrounding Iskcon's vegetarian-only menu.
Odisha has suspended four SCERT officials due to the discovery of 1,700 mistakes in school textbooks, including an error that identified Isaac Newton as a pilot. The government is taking action against those responsible for the significant errors.
Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, wife of VK Pandian, has joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha, with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik clarifying leadership questions amidst the move.
Five individuals have been arrested in Odisha, India, for allegedly assaulting a Kerala labourer over kidnapping rumors, an incident that follows previous arrests related to the assault of NGO workers.
The nephew of an Odisha minister has been arrested following the suicide of his 20-year-old girlfriend, a student at a private engineering college, who was found dead in her hostel room.
An NGO worker and her colleague were thrashed and stripped by a mob in an Odisha village after a rumor spread that they were child kidnappers, following their interaction with children and distribution of biscuits.
Engineers in Odisha have been caught allegedly faking the Deputy Speaker’s signature to facilitate transfers, leading to an investigation into the fraudulent activity.
A woman in Odisha reportedly died after consuming pesticide, with her daughter alleging that the incident occurred due to the prolonged delay of her pension for three months, despite repeated bank visits.
The Chief Minister of Odisha, Majhi, announced that education will be free for all students in government schools and colleges, from kindergarten to post-graduate levels, making it a universal provision across the state.
A case has been filed concerning the disappearance of reports from the office of then Odisha Chief Minister Patnaik, including one related to the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, which sparked the 2008 Kandhamal riots.
The Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) 2026 results have been declared, with Shubhransu Sutar securing the top position in the B Pharm category. Other toppers across various disciplines were also announced.
An Odisha woman has returned home from the UAE after years of no contact, with her repatriation reportedly involving an 'Iran war' context and a Facebook plea.
Elderly residents in Odisha, India, are expressing their reliance on social security pensions, which they describe as their 'only hope,' as they continue to wait for the payments.
A fire ripped through a fish market in Cuttack, Odisha, destroying over 30 shops and a bank, with preliminary estimates indicating extensive losses for around 17 fish traders.
Police have launched an investigation after an Odisha tribal girl, trafficked to Uttar Pradesh, reported being repeatedly raped for years. An FIR was registered on May 23 at Kamakshyanagar police station.
An Odisha student who cleared NEET lost her MBBS seat after a court ruled against her for attempting to claim two privileges simultaneously, highlighting issues in admission policies.
A tragic accident in Odisha, India, resulted in the deaths of a house owner and five laborers who fell into a septic tank. The incident occurred when the owner fell in, and the others attempted to rescue him.
India accounts for 97 of the world's 100 hottest cities, with temperatures exceeding 45°C in a brutal heatwave. Balangir in Odisha recorded the highest at 48°C.
A four-story residential building collapsed in Fez, Morocco, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people and several injuries. Rescue efforts are underway as authorities investigate the cause of the tragedy.
A couple in Odisha was tragically set on fire while they slept, leading to a police investigation. Family members suspect the attack was an act of revenge related to their son's romantic affair.
The Odisha CHSE 12th Results have been released, allowing students to check their roll number wise marks at samsodisha.gov.in. Dates for re-checking will be announced soon.
CultureTimes of Indiaindian-express2mo ago2 sources
The Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) Odisha has declared the Plus Two (12th grade) examination results for 2026. Students can check and download their marksheets from official websites and DigiLocker.
The Supreme Court has halted the UPSC selection meeting for Odisha's next police chief until August 18, seeking assurance that there will be no backdoor entries in the selection process. This decision creates suspense over the appointment of the new DGP.
New coalmining proposals, primarily in India's Odisha and Jharkhand states, contributed to an 11% increase in planned global coal supplies last year, despite a plateau in worldwide demand.
Hungary's parliament has elected András Baka, a former Supreme Court judge and critic of Viktor Orbán, as the country's new president. This election comes as the Hungarian government faces a lawsuit over alleged misuse of funds for social media campaigns.
The SAMS Odisha PG Round 1 Seat Allotment Result for 2026 has been released on pg.samsodisha.gov.in, with further instructions provided for applicants.
This article highlights various bureaucrats, from Pyari to Sujata, who have played significant roles in shaping and influencing the political landscape of Odisha. Their actions have left a lasting impact on the state's governance.
The Odisha Cabinet has approved a bill to establish economic region authorities and also cleared the second phase of the state's flagship tribal livelihood program, the Mukhya Mantri Janajati Jeevika Mission. These initiatives aim to boost economic development and support tribal communities.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has voiced strong disapproval over the reported change to a 'saffron' colored jersey for India's national men's and women's hockey teams, recalling their past Olympic successes in blue.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express14d ago3 sources
A question paper for a medical postgraduate exam in Odisha was allegedly shared on WhatsApp minutes after the test began, sparking outrage amid a series of paper leaks. While officials deny it was a 'leak,' the incident has raised concerns about exam integrity.
Farmers in India's eastern state of Odisha celebrated the Raja festival, traditionally marking the monsoon's start, under clear skies as the rains arrived so late that seeds were sown without them, raising concerns about a 'super' El Niño.
The Odisha government has issued evacuation orders as severe floods have impacted more than 100,000 people across the state, prompting emergency response efforts.
The Chief Minister of Odisha has announced the renaming of Phulbani Medical College after Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. This initiative aims to preserve the historical and cultural significance of the ashram while bolstering educational infrastructure in the tribal-dominated district.
Protests are escalating worldwide, with demonstrations against mass tourism on Mallorca turning violent and Gen Z protesters in India influencing political debate. Meanwhile, Pakistan-administered Kashmir holds elections amidst protests, and Albanian police are accused of brutality during parliamentary gatherings.
Odisha has moved to secure trademarks for names and logos associated with the Puri Jagannath temple, asserting its status as the sole 'Jagannath Dham'.
Five people were killed and two injured when a car carrying seven individuals, all aged 25-28, plunged into a roadside pond in Odisha while they were on their way to a friend's wedding.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has called for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, citing the 'very serious' and 'very grave' situation surrounding exam irregularities and widespread protests.
Thousands of devotees attended the 149th Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, featuring a tableau against the Iran war, 18 elephants, and 100 trucks. Millions also braved heavy rain to witness the Jagannath chariots roll in Puri, Odisha.
Manoj Padhi, the former director of SCERT, has been arrested by the Odisha CID after prolonged questioning as part of an investigation into errors found in newly published textbooks for Classes I to VIII.
The Odisha government has ordered a Crime Branch investigation into factual errors found in textbooks, with an FIR to be filed, following suggestions of a possible conspiracy.
The Kalinga Sena, led by Hemant Rath, has threatened ISKCON devotees, vowing to prevent their entry into Puri during the upcoming Rath Yatra on July 16, citing a dispute over the timing of the festival.
Odisha has implemented a comprehensive security plan for the Puri Rath Yatra, involving 12,000 police personnel, crowd control, traffic management, emergency response, and drone surveillance.
Ganjam and Cuttack are among the districts in Odisha with the highest number of deletions from the State Institutional Register (SIR). This indicates a significant removal of entries from the register in these regions.
In Odisha, 20 lakh deletions from the draft voter list have drawn criticism from the opposition, which claims that genuine voters were excluded due to minor anomalies.
The Indian state of Odisha is developing strategies to leverage the economic potential of its 575-kilometer coastline, focusing on various development initiatives.
An oil tanker en route to India, which was hit by shrapnel near the Strait of Hormuz, successfully reached a port in Odisha, India, without further incident.
Odisha's JAGA Mission, launched in 2017, is transforming urban development by granting legal land rights to slum dwellers and upgrading existing slums into livable neighborhoods with improved infrastructure.
An investigation is underway into the death of a teenage girl from an Odisha hamlet who died in a factory unit in Tamil Nadu, 1,500 km away from her home. The circumstances surrounding her death are being examined.
Four teenagers were arrested in Odisha, India, for allegedly assaulting catering staff at a wedding feast after being refused mutton curry and offered chicken instead.
An Odisha Pocso court has sentenced a father to 20 years imprisonment for raping his minor daughter, with the abuse reportedly beginning in 2017 when she was about 12 years old.
Odisha has initiated a ₹500 crore scheme aimed at transforming neglected riverfronts and urban water bodies into environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically vibrant assets.
An Odisha native, Danpat Naik, died at Thrissur Medical College Hospital following an alleged assault over a payment dispute at a brothel in Korappath, Kerala.
The nephew of an Odisha Transport Minister has been arrested and booked in connection with the alleged suicide of a 21-year-old woman student found dead in her hostel room. He faces charges of abetment to suicide.
A woman from Delhi interning with an NGO in Odisha's tribal areas was reportedly stripped and molested, leading to 20 arrests in connection with the incident.
Two young development workers on a fellowship field visit in Odisha's Rayagada district were brutally attacked by a mob who mistook them for child kidnappers, leading to 16 arrests.
Odisha Chief Minister Majhi announced that action will be taken against 128 medical officers and dental surgeons who have been absent from duty without authorization for over five years in government hospitals.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has established a panel to investigate the causes behind 1,600 errors found in new school textbooks for classes 1 to 8.
More than 1,600 errors, including misplaced images of the Karnataka Assembly and Niyamgiri hills, have been discovered in new school textbooks in Odisha, India.
The husband of a judicial officer in Odisha, India, has been arrested following allegations of dowry harassment and both mental and physical abuse over a ten-month period.
The Odisha government has introduced new measures to ease the registration process for apartments constructed before the implementation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA).
An Odisha officer has been arrested in connection with the death of his estranged lover, Chandrika Hembram, whose family claims she faced complexion-related taunts despite a 14-year relationship with officer Bhimsen Prasad Tudu.
An Odisha man has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a job seeker of ₹21 lakh (approximately $25,000 USD) under the false promise of securing a railway post.
Delhi, Punjab, and Odisha are among the Indian states rolling out free travel provisions for candidates appearing for the NEET-UG re-examination. The re-exam was scheduled after the original test was canceled due to a paper leak and allegations of irregularities.
The Odisha Vigilance department has uncovered a vast array of assets, including ₹2 crore in cash, 14 plots, and 341 grams of gold, belonging to a government engineer earning a ₹6,000 salary. The engineer's extensive wealth is now under scrutiny for disproportionate assets.
An Odisha twin has foregone his dream of attending IIT Bombay to instead study at IIT Madras, ensuring he can remain with his brother, highlighting their strong mutual support.
An IIT graduate from Odisha, identified as Abhishek Mishra, is accused of operating a cult under the alias 'Adikarta Narayan Das' to exploit women through YouTube sermons and spiked milk.
Severed legs of a man were discovered inside the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, with local residents and officials suspecting he was killed in a tiger attack.
Odisha police have successfully cracked a cyber fraud case, which unexpectedly revealed a connection to a political entity referred to as the 'Cockroach Janata Party'.
Intel and 3DGS are partnering to establish a new $3.3 billion substrate manufacturing plant in the Odisha state of India, marking a significant investment in the region's technology sector.
A mother and son have accused Odisha Police of custodial torture, alleging they were dragged by their hair and assaulted, leading to the suspension of a woman police officer.
The BMS union has called on the Odisha Chief Minister to stop the removal of thousands of contractual government employees, threatening intensified protests if their demands for reinstatement and job security are not met.
An Odisha judge has acquitted a madrasa teacher who spent 10 years in jail on terror charges, stating that police evidence regarding his alleged AQIS membership and connections to a LeT commander was insufficient.
Six people have died and one person fell ill after suffocating inside a septic tank in Odisha during a botched rescue operation. Police confirmed the fatalities following the incident.
The political landscape in Odisha shows the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) adrift, leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with a clear and unchallenged path forward in the state.
A 32-year manhunt concluded with the arrest of Rabindra Mallick, accused of a 1994 murder, who was discovered in a secret underground chamber at his Jajpur home after returning for a family event.
A tragic accident in Ganjam, Odisha, resulted in six fatalities and four injuries after a speeding bus collided with an autorickshaw carrying ten passengers en route to a shrine.
Tribal organizations in Odisha have petitioned the Orissa High Court, citing a nearly three-decade delay by the state in enforcing the PESA Act of 1996, which is intended for tribal areas.
The Odisha government plans to replace its 43-year-old marine fishing regulation act with a new bill, the Odisha Marine Fishing (Prohibition and Regulation) Bill, 2026, which will include Aadhaar and tracking mandates.
A man in Odisha was reportedly killed by a mob on suspicion of practicing black magic, and his body was subsequently burned in an attempt to erase evidence.