Category: News

Bhubaneswar, June 22 (UDN): In a major relief for the legal fraternity, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved a 40 per cent increase in financial assistance provided under the Odisha State Advocates’ Welfare Fund.

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According to a release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the enhanced assistance will be extended to practicing advocates upon retirement and to their family members in the event of the advocate’s death.

The decision is expected to benefit thousands of lawyers practicing in courts across the state. The previous revision in the welfare assistance amount was carried out in 2021.

Under the revised provisions, the family of an advocate with up to five years of practice will receive ₹1.05 lakh in the event of the lawyer’s death. The financial assistance will increase progressively with each additional year of legal practice.

Advocates with 30 years of service will now be eligible for a maximum assistance of ₹6.30 lakh upon retirement. In case of their demise, the same amount will be provided to their next of kin.

The enhancement in welfare assistance is aimed at strengthening the social security framework for advocates and providing greater financial support to lawyers and their families in recognition of their contribution to the justice delivery system.

Bhubaneswar, June 22: The Government of Odisha has released pensions for the months of April and May to over 17.6 lakh beneficiaries, covering nearly 91.5% of eligible recipients under various social security schemes.

According to Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Minister Nityananda Gond, a total of 17,60,435 beneficiaries out of 19,22,525 have received their pension amounts directly into their bank accounts.

The beneficiaries include senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups covered under multiple welfare programmes aimed at providing financial support and social security assistance.

The Minister stated that the remaining beneficiaries will receive their pending payments once banking and technical processes are completed. He added that the government is working to ensure that all eligible recipients are covered without further delay.

The state government has also initiated the process for June pension disbursement and reiterated its commitment to ensuring timely and uninterrupted payments going forward.

Officials noted that minor delays had occurred due to technical issues in the payment system, but corrective measures are being implemented to streamline future disbursements.

The initiative reflects the government’s continued focus on welfare delivery and financial support for vulnerable sections of society.

Guwahati, June 22: Himanta Biswa Sarma has highlighted the growing global presence of products from Assam, stating that items “made in Assam” are now being enjoyed by consumers across international markets.

Speaking on the state’s expanding trade footprint, the Chief Minister noted that Assam’s traditional and locally produced goods are gaining wider acceptance abroad, reflecting improvements in branding, quality enhancement, and market access initiatives.

He said that the state’s focus on promoting indigenous products has helped local industries and artisans reach new markets beyond India, strengthening rural livelihoods and supporting small producers.

Officials pointed out that Assam’s export potential has been growing steadily, driven by sectors such as tea, handicrafts, agricultural products, and processed goods. Efforts to improve packaging, certification, and global outreach have further supported this expansion.

The government has also been working to promote local entrepreneurship and strengthen supply chains, enabling small businesses and self-help groups to connect with national and international buyers.

Industry observers say the increasing global visibility of Assam-made products reflects a broader trend of regional brands from India gaining traction in overseas markets.

The statement underscores the state’s continued push to position itself as a key contributor to India’s growing export ecosystem while preserving its cultural and artisanal identity.

Puri, June 22 (UDN): Renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev visited the sacred Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Sunday and offered prayers to Lord Jagannath on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga.

During his visit to the 12th-century shrine, Baba Ramdev had darshan of the Holy Trinity and sought blessings from Lord Jagannath. He also interacted with temple officials and servitors during his visit.

Marking the occasion, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration felicitated the yoga guru with the sacred Khandua Pata and offered him Mahaprasad as a mark of reverence and tradition.

Speaking to the media after offering prayers, Baba Ramdev expressed deep spiritual satisfaction over his visit to the Srimandir.

“I am mesmerised by the divine darshan of Lord Jagannath on the occasion of International Yoga Day. I prayed for the good health, happiness and prosperity of the people of the country. India has already emerged as a global leader in yoga, and I pray that the nation continues to progress in every sphere,” he said.

Baba Ramdev also urged people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives, stressing that regular practice of yoga is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being.

Bhubaneswar, June 22: Poonam Maharana has been crowned Miss Universe Odisha 2026, securing her place in the Miss Universe India national finals after a state-level selection event held in Pune, Maharashtra.

Representing Odisha, Poonam impressed the jury with her confidence, communication skills, and clarity of vision, standing out among participants from across the country.

Hailing from Ganjam district, she is a B.Tech graduate in Computer Science Engineering with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Her profile reflects a blend of academic achievement and emerging leadership qualities among young Indian women.

Her advocacy work focuses on environmental protection, social service, and entrepreneurship, with an aim to create meaningful social impact and encourage youth engagement in community development.

Following her win, Poonam said the title represents responsibility as much as recognition. She expressed gratitude to her family and mentors for their constant support throughout her journey.

She now prepares to compete at the national level, with aspirations of advancing further on the Miss Universe platform while continuing her work in social development initiatives.

Bhubaneswar, June 22: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Odisha has entered its final stage, with enumeration forms distributed to 99.75% of voters and digitisation of over 81% of collected data completed, officials said on Sunday.

Reviewing the progress of the exercise, Chief Electoral Officer R. S. Gopalan visited multiple digitisation centres under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and directed officials to expedite remaining work ahead of the June 28 deadline.

According to official figures, enumeration forms have been distributed to 3,33,15,897 electors across the state, covering nearly the entire voter base included in the revision drive. The ongoing exercise aims to ensure a more accurate, updated, and error-free electoral roll.

Officials informed the CEO that data entry for 2,71,31,312 electors has already been completed, representing 81.23% of the total forms collected. He instructed field teams to accelerate digitisation work and complete the remaining entries on a priority basis within the stipulated timeline.

During his visit to digitisation centres, the CEO reviewed operational processes and emphasised the importance of ensuring inclusive voter participation. He directed officials to make certain that no eligible elector is left out of the updated voter list.

“The participation of every eligible voter is essential for a healthy democratic process,” Gopalan said while reviewing the progress of the revision exercise.

The state election machinery has set June 28 as the deadline for completing all SIR-related activities, including verification and final data entry. Authorities said efforts are being intensified across districts to ensure timely completion ahead of publication of the revised electoral roll.

Senior officials from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office and the BMC accompanied him during the inspection.

Bhubaneswar, June 22: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nowcast warning indicating light to moderate rainfall over parts of Khurda and Cuttack, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack cities, over the next one to two hours.

According to the alert issued at 08:50 am, isolated places in the two districts are likely to experience brief spells of rain under the influence of active monsoon conditions. The IMD has placed both districts under a yellow warning category, advising residents to remain cautious.

The India Meteorological Department noted that while the expected rainfall is light to moderate, short bursts of intense showers accompanied by gusty winds cannot be ruled out due to prevailing convective weather activity.

Meteorological officials have advised people in the affected areas, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack cities, to stay alert to changing weather conditions and take necessary precautions, especially during outdoor activities and travel.

This marks the second weather alert issued for the region today, indicating continued moist and unstable atmospheric conditions influenced by the southwest monsoon system.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are expected to issue further updates if weather conditions intensify.

Canberra, June 22: The Government of Australia has stated that the country is “well prepared” to respond to any potential outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, following recent global concerns over the spread of the virus.

Australia’s Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said that national biosecurity systems are robust and capable of managing emerging animal health threats, including highly pathogenic bird flu strains. She emphasized that surveillance, preparedness measures, and response frameworks are already in place across relevant agencies.

Authorities noted that Australia maintains strict biosecurity protocols aimed at preventing the entry and spread of infectious animal diseases. These include monitoring wildlife populations, regulating poultry industry practices, and coordinating rapid response mechanisms in the event of an outbreak.

Officials also highlighted ongoing cooperation between environmental, agricultural, and health agencies to ensure early detection and containment of any potential cases. Public awareness efforts and contingency planning are part of broader national preparedness strategies.

While no widespread outbreak has been reported in Australia, officials continue to closely monitor global developments related to H5N1, which has affected bird populations in several regions worldwide.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health, protecting the agricultural sector, and maintaining strong biosecurity standards to mitigate risks associated with emerging infectious diseases.

Guwahati, June 22, 2026: The annual four-day Ambubachi Mela has commenced today at the Kamakhya Temple, one of the most significant spiritual gatherings in Assam, drawing devotees, pilgrims, and visitors from across the country and abroad.

The festival, associated with the revered tradition of the goddess Kamakhya, is observed with deep religious significance and marks a period of intense devotion and ritual practices. The temple premises have been witnessing a steady influx of devotees since early morning as the sacred observances begin.

Authorities have made extensive arrangements to manage the large gathering, including crowd control measures, security deployment, sanitation facilities, and medical assistance to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims throughout the event. Special provisions have also been put in place to regulate movement and maintain order during peak visiting hours.

Local administration and temple authorities are working in coordination to facilitate a smooth experience for visitors, with emphasis on maintaining cleanliness, ensuring efficient crowd flow, and providing necessary amenities for pilgrims undertaking the journey.

The Ambubachi Mela is considered one of the most important annual festivals in the region, symbolizing deep-rooted cultural and spiritual traditions. The event also contributes significantly to local tourism and the economy, attracting visitors from various parts of India and overseas.

The celebrations will continue over the next four days, culminating in the reopening rituals that mark the conclusion of the sacred observance.

Bhubaneswar (UDN), June 22, 2026: World Trade Center (WTC) Bhubaneswar, in association with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, commemorated International Yoga Day 2026 by organizing a rejuvenating yoga session that brought together members, professionals, and wellness enthusiasts in a shared pursuit of health, mindfulness, and harmony.

The event highlighted the enduring significance of yoga in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and inner balance. Participants enthusiastically engaged in various yoga practices and breathing exercises aimed at fostering holistic living and strengthening community bonds. The celebration served as a reminder of yoga’s transformative power in creating a harmonious connection between the mind, body, and spirit.

Speaking on the occasion, the organizers emphasized that yoga is much more than a physical exercise. Quoting the essence of the ancient practice, they noted, “Yoga is not just an exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature.”

WTC Bhubaneswar expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all participants for making the celebration meaningful and inspiring. The event also witnessed the support and encouragement of prominent personalities, including Vijay Kalantri, Capt. Somesh Batra, Priya Pansare, Santosh Kotre, and Rajya Laxmi, reaffirming the commitment of the World Trade Center network toward promoting wellness and sustainable living through community engagement initiatives.