Bhubaneswar: State-run Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) has paid one of its largest-ever financial penalties—₹4,364 crore—for illegal and excess mineral production, raising serious concerns over regulatory compliance in Odisha’s mining sector. The penalties arise from violations of key environmental and forest laws, including the Environment Protection Act and the Forest Conservation Act, as well as breaches…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has directed district administrations across Odisha to take immediate and coordinated action to eradicate the practice of child begging. In an official directive, the Commission instructed key officials—including police authorities, municipal commissioners and district child protection officers—to intensify efforts to identify, rescue and rehabilitate…
Bhubaneswar: In response to the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States in the Middle East, the Odisha government has established a dedicated helpline to assist Odia citizens residing in or travelling through the affected region. The decision was taken following a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, aimed at ensuring…
Bhubaneswar: A controversy has surfaced during Odisha’s ongoing Matriculation examinations after a handwritten question-and-answer sheet — purportedly containing answers to the Social Science paper — began circulating on social media in parts of Western Odisha. The viral content has raised serious concerns among students, parents, and education observers, prompting calls for an immediate inquiry into…
Bhubaneswar: The decision to tighten security arrangements was announced by the Director General of Police (DGP) following a high-level review meeting at the State Police Headquarters. All district Superintendents of Police have been placed on high alert to ensure law and order during the upcoming festive period. The Cyber Cell has been assigned round-the-clock monitoring…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that Jharsuguda district recorded the highest conviction rate in the state in 2025 at 89.5 per cent. In contrast, Kendrapada district reported the lowest conviction rate at 3.1 per cent. According to official data shared by the Chief Minister, several other districts — including Angul, Berhampur,…
Bhubaneswar: A powerful explosion during the illegal assembly of a crude bomb in Sundarpada area of Bhubaneswar claimed the lives of Shahnawaz Malik (26) and his mother Lizatun Bibi (51), while three others sustained critical injuries, police said. Malik, described as a repeat offender with prior explosives-related charges, was allegedly assembling the device at his…
Bhubaneswar: The latest annual report of the Odisha State Commission for Women, revealing 2,064 cases of crimes and grievances against women in 2024–25, is both a statistical snapshot and a moral indictment. That Bhubaneswar alone accounts for 298 cases, followed by Cuttack and Khordha, should compel policymakers and society to confront an uncomfortable truth: urban…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant policy overhaul aimed at curbing monopolies and controlling prices, the Odisha government has notified new rules for leasing minor minerals, including sand and stone, replacing the earlier auction-based system with a computerised e-lottery mechanism. Under the revised framework, mineral leases will now be allotted through an online, transparent e-lottery, a move…
Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards transparent and citizen-centric governance, the Odisha Revenue Department is set to launch a 24-hour WhatsApp-based service to address land-related complaints and applications, significantly reducing the need for physical visits to tehsil offices. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari announced that citizens will be able to submit grievances and applications directly through…