paralakhemundi

Odisha grapples with severe power outages amid a scorching heatwave, leaving rural residents struggling with non-functional fans and water pumps. Protests erupted across multiple districts, including Mayurbhanj and Ganjam, as villagers demanded uninterrupted electricity. The Energy Minister acknowledged transformer overloads due to heat and assured swift restoration efforts.

A border dispute flared in Manikpatna village as Andhra Pradesh enumerators marked houses, claiming the area. Odisha officials intervened, re-marking numbers. The assistant director of census reviewed the situation, with police patrolling increased. While house numbering is complete, local leaders seek a permanent resolution to border disputes.

Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy has urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to rename paralakhemundi railway station after Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati. This move aims to honor the Maharaja's significant role in the formation of a separate Odisha state. The MP also proposed a bronze statue at the station.

The railway ministry announced the operationalization of the new Rayagada division under East Coast Railway from June 1, following the bifurcation of the Waltair division. This move aims to boost connectivity and economic activity in the mineral-rich and tribal-dominated region, reflecting the government's focus on balanced regional development.

A remarkable achievement unfolds as all 35 inmates, including 18 girls, from Gajapati district's government child care institutions have successfully cleared their HSC examinations. Many of these children, largely orphans, received dedicated coaching, leading to impressive grades for some. Officials are now planning counseling sessions to guide their future academic and vocational pursuits.

Berhampur's Post Office Passport Seva Kendra is set to double its daily appointment slots from 50 to 100, addressing a growing demand. This move aims to reduce the current 10-15 day waiting period for applicants from multiple districts. Discussions are also underway to potentially upgrade the center to a full-fledged Passport Seva Kendra with Tatkal facilities.

Two orphaned sisters, aged 12 and 14, rescued four years ago in Odisha's Gajapati district, have found a loving home in Italy. A couple from Florence, after a three-year adoption process, officially adopted the girls on Friday. The adoption was facilitated by the Central Adoption Resources Authority, marking a new chapter for the siblings.

A 45-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for killing his wife in 2021. The court found the accused guilty of murder following a sudden provocation during a quarrel. The judge also recommended compensation for the deceased's three daughters.

A 45-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 10,000 for sexually abusing and attempting to rape a 14-year-old girl in Gajapati district four years ago. The court also directed Rs 4 lakh compensation for the victim. The accused lured the girl to his house in July 2022, where the assault occurred.

A 24-year-old MSc student, Subhra Samal, was discovered deceased in her paralakhemundi residence on Saturday, her body charred. Police are investigating the incident, suspecting self-immolation, but have found no immediate motive despite searching her belongings. The victim, preparing for UPSC, was described by her family as a meritorious student with no known enemies or romantic entanglements.

Two minor girls died after a school gate collapsed in Odisha's Gajapati district. An inquiry is underway, with the Chief Minister announcing ex-gratia for the families. The incident occurred after school hours when the children returned to play, with a damaged gate column potentially contributing to the tragedy.

Tragedy struck a government primary school in Gajapati district as two young girls, aged 9 and 10, were killed when an iron entrance gate collapsed on them. The incident occurred while the students were playing after classes. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a high-level inquiry and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each for the victims' families.

A 48-year-old tourist from Cuttack district, Binod Jena, was found dead near the Bhima temple atop Mahendragiri hill on Monday. He had gone missing during a thunderstorm on Sunday afternoon and police confirmed his death was due to a lightning strike. His friends survived by taking shelter in the temple.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for the Rs 1581.21 crore Barbil bypass ring road, a significant step towards easing traffic congestion. He also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for numerous other development projects across Keonjhar district, emphasizing economic growth and improved quality of life.

paralakhemundi police on Friday arrested a 24-year-old auto-rickhshaw driver for allegedly raping a 19-year-old woman on the pretext of marriage, seven months ago.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Odisha chapter, on Monday wrote a letter to railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw demanding a heritage tag for paralakhemundi railway station, one of the oldest stations of the state.

State Crime Branch, probing into the suicides of manager of paralakhemundi palace, Ananga Manjari and her three siblings, on Friday issued summons to Congress legislator K Surya Rao and eight others to depose before it.

Forest officials have installed camera traps in Kitima village, Gajapati district. This follows a suspected tiger attack that killed a cow. Another cow was also attacked in Daria village. Officials are monitoring the situation and investigating the animal's identity. Residents are advised to keep cattle in sheds at night.