A Civil Servant of Distinction Pradeep Kumar Jena, one of Odisha’s most accomplished bureaucrats, was formally sworn in as the Chairman of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday. The oath of office was administered by Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, marking the beginning of a new…
The Controversy Surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, has been a focal point of intense political debate in India. Aimed at amending the Waqfmanish Act of 1995, the bill seeks to enhance the transparency, efficiency, and administration of Waqf properties. While the ruling BJP and its allies argue that the bill…
The Background and Context The Odisha Universities (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed in the Odisha Legislative Assembly after an intense 12.5-hour debate between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD). This significant legislation aims to revamp the governance structure of universities in Odisha, restore autonomy, and streamline the appointment…
A Grand Vision, now a Lost Dream The ambitious plan to establish a world-class Vedanta University in Puri, Odisha, has officially reached its final roadblock. The Supreme Court of India recently dismissed a review petition filed by the Anil Agarwal Foundation, reaffirming its April 2023 ruling that invalidated the land acquisition process for the project….
A Tragic Incident Unfolds The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University is once again in the spotlight following the mysterious death of a third-year B. Tech student, Arnab Mukherjee. His body was discovered near an under-construction building in the Mancheswar area of Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. The incident, occurring just a month and a half…
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…
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…
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…
A Tragic Incident and Its Fallout The death of a Nepali female student at KIIT University on February 16 has sparked significant controversy and legal scrutiny. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended that the University Grants Commission (UGC) take action against KIIT University and its sister institution, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS),…
