A Spotlight on Tax Evasion in India’s Mining Sector The Indian Income Tax (I-T) Department has intensified its crackdown on tax evasion with a high-profile raid on the SN Mohanty Group, a prominent mining company based in Odisha. On Tuesday, I-T teams conducted simultaneous searches at multiple locations linked to the company, including its offices,…
The Cannabis Conundrum in Odisha Odisha, known for its rich cultural heritage and lush landscapes, has also gained notoriety as a hub for cannabis cultivation and trafficking. The state’s remote areas, particularly in districts like Ganjam and Subarnapur, have long been hotspots for illegal ganja farming, with traffickers exploiting dense forests and isolated terrain to…
Odisha Parba: A Showcase of Tradition and Transformation The Odisha Parba itself stands as a microcosm of the state’s heritage and aspirations. Over three days, attendees experienced the vibrant culture of Odisha through art, music, and traditional performances. The event also featured a national seminar, where experts and professionals deliberated on Odisha’s development path in…
Remembering a Visionary Leader Harekrushna Mahtab, fondly called “Utkal Keshari,” was a towering figure in India’s freedom struggle and a transformative leader for Odisha. Born on November 21, 1899, in Agarpara in the erstwhile Bengal Presidency, Mahtab left an indelible mark as a freedom fighter, historian, writer, social reformer, and politician. His dedication to Odisha’s…
A Crisis in Women’s Safety Odisha is grappling with an alarming surge in crimes against women, with a particularly troubling rise in rape cases. Over the past 50 days, 11 incidents of rape, including cases involving minors, have shocked the state and raised urgent questions about the effectiveness of measures to protect women. The situation…
A Storm Over Spirituality Religious controversies in India often evoke strong emotions, blending faith with societal debates. One such incident is unfolding at the Baikuntha Dham Ashram in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Allegations of government land encroachment, coupled with claims of a boy being projected as the divine ‘Kalki Avatar,’ have led to heightened tensions and legal…
Honoring the Legacy of Odia Cinema Since its inception in 1968, the Odisha State Film Awards have celebrated the best of Odia cinema, recognizing artistic brilliance and technical expertise. Instituted by the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, the awards aim to honor exceptional contributions to the state’s rich cinematic tradition. The annual event, decided…
Odisha’s Bold Leap Towards Global Investment Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has embarked on an ambitious four-day visit to Singapore, marking the state’s first international outreach ahead of the ‘Utkarsh Odisha: Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2025’ scheduled for January. The visit aims to position Odisha as the top choice for investors considering India, leveraging the state’s vast…
Unscheduled Rath Yatra Stirs Tensions The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has come under fire for organizing an untimely Rath Yatra (chariot parade) in Houston, USA. Despite prior assurances to the Odisha government and Puri’s Gajapati Maharaja, ISKCON went ahead with the event on November 9, without the traditional deities on the chariot, as…
Leadership Shift in Odisha’s Women’s Commission In a move that has stirred significant public interest and debate, the Odisha government has relieved Minati Behera of her position as Chairperson of the State Commission for Women (SCW). The decision followed a performance review that reportedly revealed substantial dissatisfaction with her leadership, prompting the Department of Women…
