A Celebration of Odisha’s Rich Traditions Odisha, a land steeped in history and spirituality, is home to some of India’s most revered cultural festivals. Among them, the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri and the Bali Jatra in Cuttack hold immense historical, religious, and cultural significance. Recently, these two grand festivals have been included…
A Fragile US-Iran Relationship on the Brink The longstanding tensions between the United States and Iran have once again escalated following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest warning of potential bombings if Tehran refuses to strike a nuclear deal. Iran, in response, has reportedly armed its underground missile sites, signaling a readiness to retaliate. U.S.-Iran…
RSS, BJP, and Modi’s Deep-Rooted Ties The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has played a foundational role in shaping the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), acting as its ideological backbone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political journey is deeply intertwined with the RSS, having started as a pracharak (campaigner) in Ahmedabad in 1972 before rising to lead India’s…
The Government’s Crackdown on Maoist Insurgency For decades, Maoist insurgency has been a significant challenge in parts of central and eastern India, particularly in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra. The Maoists, also known as Naxalites, have carried out numerous attacks against security forces, government officials, and civilians. In response, the Indian government has intensified counterinsurgency…
The Significance of Eid-ul-Fitr Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most significant Islamic festivals, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude, bringing together families and communities in celebration. The festival embodies the spirit of brotherhood, compassion, and unity, making it an occasion of immense cultural and…
Understanding Fantasy Sports: A Game of Skill and Luck Fantasy sports have gained immense popularity in recent years, allowing users to create virtual teams based on real-life players’ performances. Participants earn points based on the actual game statistics of their chosen players. While it is often seen as an entertaining and strategic activity, it involves…
A Crucial Figure in Odisha’s Bureaucratic and Political Landscape Sujata Karthikeyan, a senior bureaucrat and one of the most influential officers in the Odisha cadre, has taken voluntary retirement from service. Known for her significant role in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government, she was instrumental in implementing key state programs. Her exit comes after…
The Background of the Controversy The University of Houston’s course, Lived Hindu Religion, has sparked intense debate following allegations that it portrays Hinduism in a negative light and distorts India’s political landscape. Vasant Bhatt, a political science student and Hindu-American activist, raised concerns that the course is “Hinduphobic” and misrepresents Hindu traditions. His complaint led…
A Region Prone to Seismic Activity Myanmar, situated in a seismically active region, has frequently experienced devastating earthquakes due to its position along multiple fault lines. Over the past decades, tremors have caused significant destruction and loss of life, with cities like Mandalay and Yangon often bearing the brunt of seismic activity. The latest catastrophe—a…
In a significant step toward improving the quality of education in the state, Odisha’s School and Mass Education Minister, Nityananda Gond, announced a major recruitment drive for 10,000 teachers. This initiative, aimed at addressing the shortage of teaching staff in government schools, is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational standards and ensure…
