Bantala: A 22-year-old hunter was arrested, and three sambar antlers and a country-made gun were seized during a forest department patrol in the Satkosia Wildlife Division in Anugola district, officials said Wednesday. The accused, identified as Sri Krishna Naik of Bipradiha village under Thakurgada police station, was intercepted near the Laxmanpur check gate in the Baghamunda section...

Baleshwar: Forest officials recovered the carcass of a male dolphin from Talapada beach under Remuna block in Baleshwar district Wednesday, after fishermen spotted it near the shore, officials said. The fishermen noticed the carcass at about 9am and informed the Talakurunia Forest Beat House by phone. Forester Manju Lata Pradhan and forest personnel Jyotshna Dutta reached the...

SOUMYARANJAN ROUT, OP Bhubaneswar: Renowned for its grand thematic welcome gates and striking decorations, the Rasulgarh Durga Puja is entering its 34th year. This season, the mandap will feature a massive gate modelled after Vatican City in Europe, measuring 75 ft high and 140 ft wide. Around 30 to 35 artisans from Kolkata have been working on...

ARINDAM GANGULY, OP New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Odisha is showcasing its integrated water resources management model at the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW)-2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from September 22 to 26. Themed ‘Climate Resilient Water Management,’ the international event brings together policymakers, experts, institutions and stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable and climate-resilient approaches...

SUCHISMITA SAHU, OP Bhubaneswar: The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has placed Odisha’s Higher Education Department in a challenging position over non-compliance with faculty appointment norms and qualification standards across state-run BEd institutions. The regulatory body has issued a second show-cause notice to 16 government BEd colleges for failing to submit comprehensive data regarding faculty credentials...

Bhubaneswar: The state government has so far facilitated the construction of 37 new gaushalas to tackle the growing problem of abandoned bulls and stray cattle damaging crops, the Assembly was informed Wednesday. In a written reply, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said, “The increasing use of tractors in agriculture has reduced the need for...

SUCHISMITA SAHU, OP Bhubaneswar: The state government is placing strong emphasis on addressing issues concerning children. To ensure quick resolution of child-related problems and strengthen child-centric services, the government will mandate regular and effective implementation of the ‘One Day for Children’ (Shishunka Paain Gotie Dina) programme. The Women and Child Development Department has instructed all District Collectors...

ARINDAM GANGULY, OP Bhubaneswar: In order to promote public awareness about air quality and environmental parameters, an Air Quality Digital Display was inaugurated at the Regional Science Centre Wednesday. The display was set up by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) as part of celebrations marking the 43rd Foundation Day of the OSPCB and the 38th...

ARINDAM GANGULY, OP Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Wednesday described Ayurveda as more than a system of medicine, calling it a way of life that promotes balance among the body, mind and soul and helps people lead healthy, disease-free lives. Greeting people on the occasion of Ayurveda Day, Majhi wrote on X: “Ayurveda is not merely...

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police has intensified its statewide special drive 'Daman' against criminals and anti-social elements, executing 109 non-bailable warrants (NBWs), registering 148 Excise Act cases and 15 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act since the campaign began September 21. The campaign, being conducted under the direction of Director General of Police Binayatosh...