Odisha's opposition BJD has requested Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to clarify his family's connection with the Vikas Foundation Trust, which is alleged to have purchased properties in the US. BJP leaders have dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign.
Change of guard in some states and evolving El Nino dynamics are triggering fresh actions on raging water-sharing disputes in several states.
Opposition parties in Odisha, BJD and Congress, have criticised Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, accusing him of a surge in police brutality. The allegations stem from a custodial death in Ganjam district and other instances of alleged police misconduct. The BJP has defended the government, stating that prompt action has been taken in response to these cases.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed strong "anguish" over the Indian hockey team's decision to change its traditional blue jersey to saffron for the upcoming FIH World Cup. Patnaik, whose state government previously sponsored the team, criticised the move as "petty politics" and an attempt to erase sporting legacy, alleging pressure from the BJP government in Odisha. Hockey India stated the saffron colour symbolises courage, sacrifice, and new beginnings, inspired by the national flag.
A 60-year-old woman and her 35-year-old daughter were brutally murdered in Odisha's Sambalpur district, allegedly due to suspicions of practising witchcraft. Police have identified a local youth as the primary suspect and are investigating the motive behind the heinous crime.
An inspector in charge of a police station in Odisha's Cuttack district has been transferred following allegations that a man was tortured by police for refusing to identify a body as that of his missing wife.
A 73-year-old man in Odisha's Jajpur district attempted self-immolation during a public grievance hearing, citing unaddressed appeals for an approach road to his house.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested a detailed report from Odisha officials regarding the deaths of six people in a septic tank, raising concerns about human rights violations.
The CBI has arrested an Income Tax superintendent in Odisha, Ramesh Kumar Mohanty, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 4,000 to delete a duplicate PAN card record. He was caught red-handed after a complaint was filed, and a case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
A man wanted in multiple criminal cases was injured in a shootout with police in Odisha's Jharsuguda district. The accused, Jay Chauhan, sustained a bullet injury during the encounter and is currently hospitalised. He was allegedly planning a major dacoity with his gang when police intervened.
The Odisha Vigilance Department has uncovered assets worth crores of rupees, including over Rs 2 crore in cash, multiple properties, and gold, during raids on an assistant executive engineer. The engineer, Baikuntha Nath Behera, is under investigation for disproportionate assets. Separately, a lineman was arrested for accepting a bribe.
The Odisha government felicitated para archer Payal Nag for winning two gold medals at the World Para Archery Series 2026 in Bangkok and qualifying for the Para Asian Games. She received a cash award and funds for sports equipment.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Odisha Police has arrested another person from Bhubaneswar for his alleged involvement in a bank loan fraud case worth Rs 6.88 crore.
A man and his female friend were allegedly assaulted with sticks by a group of people in Odisha's Berhampur city, triggering outrage after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
Two individuals have been arrested in Odisha's Gahirmatha forest range after being found in possession of nine kg of venison. The suspects were apprehended in the Sasanpeta forest area with deer meat and nylon nets, leading to their booking under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The Odisha Gymnastics Association secretary has apologised for using the late president's name on official letterheads, attributing it to an unintentional mistake after reports surfaced regarding invoices issued under the deceased president's name.
Odisha Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has arrested two more individuals in connection with a Rs 9.6 crore bank fraud case, bringing the total number of arrests to six. The accused, Surjit Roy and Sameer Srivastav, were apprehended in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, for allegedly withdrawing funds from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) trust using forged cheques.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved national highway projects worth approximately 24,249.6 crore across Odisha, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, aiming to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and stimulate economic growth.
A 19-year-old college student was found dead in his house in Odisha's Bhadrak district, prompting a police investigation and allegations of murder from the family.
A clash between two theatre groups staging 'Mahabharat' in Odisha's Ganjam district resulted in injuries to several people, including police personnel, prompting arrests and increased security measures.
A clerical staff member of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in Odisha's Jagatsinghpur has been arrested for allegedly installing a spy camera in the women's washroom of the office.
Odisha DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania launched 'Juventica', a child welfare police officers outreach programme, aimed at supporting adolescents and encouraging them to focus on educational content on social media for a brighter future. The initiative, in collaboration with UNICEF, seeks to strengthen engagement, awareness, protection, and support for adolescents across the state.
Odisha Police's Crime Branch has arrested three individuals from New Delhi and Uttarakhand in connection with two major cyber fraud cases totalling Rs 2.78 crore. The cases involved impersonation as cyber crime officers and fraudulent investment schemes, leading to significant financial losses for victims.
The Odisha Gymnastics Association is under investigation for allegedly using the name of its deceased president to secure funds from the state government. A complaint questions the association's governance and financial practices, including the sanctioning of funds from multiple agencies for the same event.
Odisha Police's Crime Branch has arrested two more individuals in connection with the lynching of a GRP constable, bringing the total number of arrests to 15. The incident occurred after the constable was accused of attempted rape.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed civil and police authorities to collaborate in curbing organised crime, instilling fear among criminals, and building public confidence. This follows a review of the state's law and order situation after recent incidents, including a mob lynching and a murder case.
India has over 22,000 wild elephants. May their tribe increase.
A social media post by BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi's daughter celebrating Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union Education Minister, has ignited an internal controversy within the BJP.
Samaleswari Sporting bounced back from an opening defeat to secure a commanding 4-1 victory over Durand Cup debutants Baghpat FC. Basit Ahmed Bhat scored twice, supported by goals from Marat Tareck and Gnohere Krizo, while Crispin Cleetus netted Baghpat's lone goal. The Odisha-based team controlled the second half, extending their lead and comfortably seeing out the match.
Six more people have been arrested in connection with the lynching of a GRP constable in Odisha's Khurda district, bringing the total number of arrests to 11. The constable was accused of attempting to rape a woman, and his father alleges police involvement in the assault.
The Odisha Police have arrested 1,771 people and seized over 3,000 kg of ganja, 20 unlicensed guns and other illegal items during a special five-day drive across the state.
The Supreme Court dismissed the Odisha government's plea to modify an order allowing the release of the animated film "Mahaprabhu Jagannath". The court emphasised that creativity, art, and culture should not be curtailed due to sensitivities regarding deity depictions, especially for children's animation.
Punjab FC secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Odisha FC in an Indian Super League match, boosting their title ambitions. Goals from Manglenthang Kipgen, Bede Osuji, and Dani Ramirez sealed the win for Punjab, while Suhair VP and Kartik Hantal scored for Odisha.
A nine-year-old boy was critically injured in a street dog attack in an Odisha village, sparking panic among residents who allege the dog menace has been increasing.
The Odisha Vigilance Department has uncovered significant assets, including multiple buildings and plots of land, allegedly belonging to a government engineer, prompting an investigation into disproportionate assets.
Odisha's Ganjam police have detained two individuals in connection with the assault on a young couple in Berhampur. The incident, which occurred in full public view, has sparked outrage and prompted a police investigation to apprehend the remaining suspects.
A leopard was found dead in the Kathagochi Reserve Forest in Odisha's Balasore district, prompting an investigation by forest officials and veterinary doctors.
Indian badminton players Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, and Kiran George have successfully advanced to the quarterfinals of the Taipei Open Super 300 tournament. While these rising stars secured impressive victories, seasoned players HS Prannoy and Anmol Kharb faced defeats, ending their campaign.
Odisha's BJD has accused the BJP of luring its leaders with inducements after Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray resigned and joined the BJP. The BJD spokesperson criticised Samantaray for criticising the party after enjoying benefits during its tenure.
A homoeopathic doctor was allegedly killed by his elder brother and other family members over a property dispute in Odisha's Kendrapara district, police said on Friday.
