Month: March 2023

World Bank Approves $100 Million Loan To Odisha

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Bhubaneswar: The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on Monday approved a $100 million loan to help Odisha strengthen its early forecasting systems for improved response to disasters and enhance its social protection coverage for poor and vulnerable households through digital platforms. According to the World Bank, Odisha is vulnerable to natural disasters with cyclones hitting the state every 15 months on average. The state’s 480 km coastline is also exposed to tsunami risk. Recurrent disasters significantly impact economic activities including agricultural production, infrastructure and access to health, education, and…

India Records 3,095 New Covid Cases

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New Delhi: India reported 3,095 fresh Covid cases in a span of 24 hours, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday. With this addition, the active cases stand at 15,208. In view of the rising cases in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will chair a meeting on Friday to review the situation. “We are on alert, Covid-19 situation in Delhi being closely monitored,” said Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj. Bhardwaj chaired an emergency meeting on Thursday, where Special Secretary -Health, the Director General…

Odisha Weather: Thunderstorms With Lightning, Hail & Gusty Surface Winds Likely

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Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department regional office here Friday forecast fairly widespread thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, isolated hail, heavy rain and gusty surface wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph in some districts of Odisha for the next five days under the influence of low-level north–south wind discontinuity/trough and middle and upper tropospheric strong western disturbances. The weather office had advised people to keep a watch on the weather and take safe shelter during thunderstorm activity for protection from lightning and follow traffic advisories in urban areas. It has also advised regulation…

BJD Announces Dipali Das As Candidate For Jharsuguda Bypoll

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Bhubaneswar: Putting all speculations to rest the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today announced Dipali Das, daughter of slain Health Minister Naba Kishore Das as its candidate for the bypoll to be held for Jharsuguda Assembly constituency on May 10. The announcement was made by BJD President Naveen Patnaik. “Ms Dipali Das, D/o Late Naba Kishore Das is the Biju Janata Dal candidate for the Bye-election to 07-Jharsuguda Assembly Constituency,” read the announcement signed by Naveen Patnaik, President, Biju Janata Dal. While the polling will be held on May 10,…

Hyderabad Police Stop Sharmila From Visiting Osmania Hospital

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Hyderabad: Tension prevailed at YSR Telangana Party (YSRTP) leader Y.S. Sharmila’s residence in Hyderabad on Tuesday when police prevented her from leaving for Osmania Hospital for a visit to know the problems faced by patients. Scuffle broke out between Sharmila’s supporters and the police and in the melee she fell down. Police had shut the gates of Sharmila’s Lotus Pond residence to stop her from leaving for the hospital. YSRTP said its leader wanted to conduct ‘Janata Raid’ at Osmania Hospital to know the plight of patients and pathetic facilities.…

Govt Declares March 29 As Local Holiday In Khordha Dist For Ashokastami

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Bhubaneswar: In view of the upcoming Ashokastami festival, the Odisha government today declared March 29 (Wednesday) as a local holiday for all government offices in Khordha district. The Revenue Divisional Commissioner, Central Division issued a notification in this regard today. As per the notification, all government offices in Khordha district will remain closed on March 29 (Wednesday) on the occasion of Ashokastami.

IMD Issues Yellow Warning For 10 Odisha Districts, Forecasts Heavy Rains Till April 1

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Bhubaneswar: The regional office of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday forecasted another western disturbance in the state from Wednesday. Many places in the state are likely to receive heavy rain and experience thunderstorms from Tuesday till April 1 under the influence of the western disturbance. According to the MeT office, this time the effect of the western disturbance will be most in the north-western part of India. The western disturbance will bring fresh bouts of rain in several districts of Odisha. Light to moderate rain with…

Antilia Bomb Scare Case: Bombay HC Junks Plea For Probe Into Parambir Singh’s Role

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Mumbai: The Bombay High Court recently dismissed a writ petition demanding a probe into the role of former Mumbai Police Commissioner Parambir Singh in the Antilia bomb scare and the related Mansukh Hiran murder case. A division bench comprising Justice Sunil Shukre and Justice Kamal Khata has held that the petition is based on ‘hearsay’ and does not ‘disclose commission of any cognizable offence’ or reasonable probability of commission of such an offence by Singh. The petitioner, Parshuram Sharma had sought the court’s directions to the state to probe Singh’s…

Odisha Records 24 Fresh Covid-19 Positive Cases In 24 Hours

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Bhubaneswar: The number of active Covid-19 cases is increasing gradually in Odisha. State Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra on Sunday said 24 fresh cases were reported across Odisha during the last 2 hours. With the fresh Covid-19 cases, the total tally of active cases in Odisha now stands at 98. In addition, one patient is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. In the meantime, the hospitals have been directed to increase the tracing and treating of Covid-cases, said Niranjan Mishra. On Monday, the Union Health Secretary convened a meeting of…

PM Lauds Odia scientist Jyotirmayee Mohanty In ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Show

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Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Mody on Sunday lauded Odia scientist Jyotirmayee Mohanty, the first woman scientist from India to be awarded the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Award 2023, in the 99th episode of his radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Professor Jyotirmayee Mohanty, a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center, received the coveted IUPAC Award 2023 in the ‘Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering’ category. Born in Odisha’s Cuttack, Jyotirmayee is also the first woman to receive a fellowship in Science and Engineering Research Board.…