Movies in Bhubaneswar Cinema Halls

The much-awaited Madhuri Dixit-starrer "Aaja Nachle" has been released on Friday. The Stutee theatre witnessed an unprecedented demand for tickets before a week. According to the sources, all shows are running house full and people are paying Rs 100 - Rs 150 for a ticket in black. Here's the latest update on the movies screened in Bhubaneswar Cinema Halls.

Hindi Movies:

Stutee: Aaja Nachle (4 Shows)
Swati: Gauri (4 Shows)
Keshari: Om Shanti Om (4 Shows)
Sriya: Badalta Jism (4 Shows)
Rabi: Kalishankar (3 Shows)

Oriya Movies:

Maharaja: Samaya Hatare Dori (4 Shows)

Somnath Chaterjee disapproves Maken's directive

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee disapproved Union Minister Ajay Maken's directive to Congress MLAs in Orissa to stop the assembly proceedings. The issue was raised by BJD MP Arjun Charan Sethi during the question hour in Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Orissa Assembly adjourned sine die

The winter session of the Orissa Assembly came to an abrupt end with the Speaker Maheshwar Mohanty adjourned the house sine die. The decission came in the wake of the vociferous protest from the opposition parties that continued to stall the proceeding for more than a week. Government Chief Whip Kishore Mohanty moved the motion seeking adjournment of the proceedings sine die, which was approved by a voice vote. The opposition parties staged a walk out.

Although the opposition parties led by former CM J B Patnaik termed the sine die adjournment of the house as 'undemocratic and unconstitutional', it is well known that Union Minister Ajay Maken persuaded them to stall the proceeding of the house, which cost the government and public crores of rupees.

Ravikumar won first gold for Orissa in Jr Nat'l Weightlifting

K. Ravikumar of Orissa won the first gold for the state in the 44th Men's Junior National Weightlifting Championship at the SAG Hall in Khuman Lampak stadium in Imphal. He lifted 128 kg in snatch and 156 kg in clean and jerk, a total of 284 kg.

Pay Hike for Teachers and Shikshya Sahayaks

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik gave another blow to the opposition parties, by announcing several benefits for various categories of teachers and Shikshya Sahayaks in the state. While he sought to appease the teachers who are angry at being lathicharged during agitations on Novemeber 17, he succeeded in winning the trust of Shiksha Sahayaks who have been continuing their demonstration outside the State Assembly since Monday.

Under the new arrangements, a private high school that has the required number of teaching and non-teaching staff as well as the approval from the higher authority, will get Rs 3,65,628 per annum. Currently, the amount is Rs 1, 68,912 per annum. Similarly, the black grant would be enhanced from the existing level of Rs 33,564 per annum to Rs 68,736 per annum for each Upper Primary/Middle English school.

Now onwards, the TGTs will get Rs 4,000 per month, while non-TGTs will get Rs 3,000 per month. The announcements would be effective from April 1, 2008. The Shikshya Sahayaks who were getting Rs 2,000 per month, would receive Rs 3,000 per month. Their salary will be increased to Rs 3,500 per month after the completion of three years of continuous service.

Shipyard to be built in Orissa

The Orissa government has cleared some investment proposals including the set up of a shipyard. The proposed shipyard would come up near Dhamra, 150 km from Bhubaneswar. It will be built by APJ-Bharati Shipping Company. The entire cost of the project would be Rs 2,200 crore.

Private IT Park in Orissa to come up soon

The Bhubaneswar-based JSS Group has decided to come up with a private software technology part in Orissa. It would be the first private IT park in Orissa. The JSS Group operates as a BPO/KPO company in the banking and financial back-end services. The proposed IT park will be known as JSS Software Technology Park. It would be set up at Infocity in Chandaka, Bhubaneswar.

Movies in Bhubaneswar Cinema Halls

Here's the latest update on the movies screened in Bhubaneswar Cinema Halls.

Hindi Movies:

Stutee: Saawariya (4 Shows)

Swati: Om Shanti Om (4 Shows)

Keshari: Om Shanti Om (4 Shows)

Ekamra: Super Girl (4 Shows)

Sriya: Jab We Met (4 Shows)

Rabi: Pyasi Bhutni (3 Shows)

Oriya Movies:

Maharaja: Samaya Hatare Dori (4 Shows)

Privilege motion against Ajay Maken in Orissa Assembly

The ruling BJD party moved a privilege motion against union minister Ajay Maken for allegedly sending instructions to party MLAs in Orissa to continue to stall assembly proceedings. BJD member Kalpataru Das attached a copy of a letter, believed to be sent by Maken, while moving the privilege motion. The stalemate in the state assembly is continuing for almost a week now.

The letter says, "we may not let any other work in the assembly take place unless our motion on such an important issue (water) is admitted and voted." It also congratulated the Congress legislature party and the Pradesh Congress on taking a tough stand in favor of farmers. While leader of opposition J B Patnaik termed the letter as party's internal affairs, CM Naveen Patnaik condemned it.

Times of India: Avinash gifted Moon Rs 5 Lakh on Valentine Day

According to a sensational Times of India report, Avinash Patnaik had spent a hefty sum on Moon Das prior to their break up. He transferred Rs 5 lakh to Moushumi alias Moon Das from his ICICI bank account on Valentine Day. It is learnt that he also booked a flat for Moon in Kolkata. Avinash recently had taken a Rs 2-crore loan from a nationalised bank for his business.

Avinash's family believe that he may have some business links with Moon's male friend Romesh Sharma who was with her Moon when the murder took place. Romesh was said to have close with both Avinash and Moon. With the latest revelation, the suicide case has taken an interesting turn.

Another report suggests that both Moon and Avinash were very close to each other and stayed in a leading hotel at Angul for three days. The checked in as 'Mr Avinash Patnaik and Mrs Moushumi Patnaik' on September 6. The address registered in the hotel record book was 'Sidhibinayak Food Products, Angul' — the rice mill owned by Avinash. According to the hotel staff, they stayed there as a married couple.

CM announces Package for Farmers

Under criticism from several quarters over the recent lathicharge on farmers near Hirakud Dam, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a Rs 200-crore package for taking up canal repair work in in Hirakud area. The Chief Minister's announcement was aimed at appeasing the agitating farmers as well as scoring a point over the beleaguered opposition. Time and again, Naveen Patnaik has proved his political brinkmanship and silenced his critics.

The Chief Minister addressed a public meeting attended by farmer representatives from Western Orissa and assured them that not a single drop of water of farmers' share would be diverted for industries.

Orissa lost to Andhra Pradesh, Prabhanjan Sacked

In yet another step to slide further on Ranji Trophy fomat, Orissa lost to Andhra Pradesh. For the second time in a row, Orissa failed to take the home advantage and meekly surrendered before a not-so-strong side. Earlier, it lost to Uttar Pradesh. Chasing a victory target of 327, Orissa bowled out for a meagre 224, thus losing the match by 102 runs. Ironically, seamer Debashish Mohanty was the top scorer for the team with a blistering knock of 46.

Orissa team's continued poor performance in the domestic season, took its first victim, as Prabhanjan Mallik was sacked as the Captain of the team. He did not even find a place in the team for the next match. Former test batsman Shiv Sundar Das has been appointed as the new skipper of Orissa Ranji team. Besides Prabhanjan, two other players Subit and Sanjay Satpathy have been fired from the squad. Rakesh Mohanty, P R Sinha and Basant Mohanty are the new faces in the team.

Nobel Laurate addresses KIIT Convocation

Prof. Rolf M Zinkernagel, Nobel laureate in Medicine, addressed the 3rd annual convocation ceremony of KIIT deemed university in Bhubaneswar. It could be recalled that Zinkernagel’s discovery on the specificity of cell mediated immune defence led to a foundation for the understanding of the general mechanisms of the cellular immune systems. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1996.

Prof. Rolf M Zinkernagel is currently associated with the Medicine University of Zurich. He said, "while long term research adds to the knowledge, short term translation of such knowledge into practical use is equally important". At least 1206 students from B Tech, MCA, MBA and M Tech, received degrees at the convocation.

More than 700 Freshwater Turtles seized in Malkangiri

According to latest reports, at least 720 freshwater turtles were seized from a truck in Malkangiri district. Two people have been arrested in this connection. According to senior officials, the consignment weighed 600 kg.

The arrested persons belonged to local Bengali refugee community. They have been charged under sections of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. They bought the freshwater turtles from Andhra Pradesh to sell in the local markets.

Bali Yatra kicks off in Cuttack

The historic Bali Yatra began amid fanfare and celebration in Cuttack yesterday. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the historic and the biggest trade fair of the State. The eight-day fair was scheduled to be concluded on December 1. However, the government has decided to extend it by a day, bowing to the public demand.

The Chief Minister urged the people to work unitedly towards the development and progress of the state. He assured the people that government would take all necessary steps to tap the natural resources and the potential in Orissa and create opportunities for the people. He also emphasized on education and self-employment generation.

Besides the CM, Revenue Minister Manmohan Samal, Higher Education Minister Samir Dey, Tourism Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, Panchayati Raj Minister Raghunath Mohanty, Cuttack MP Bhatruhari Mahtab, Mayor Nibedita Pradhan, Deputy Mayor Madhusudan Sahoo and Collector Sujata Rout Karthikeyan spoke on the occasion.

Naveen Patnaik hails SC Judgment in Vedanta Case

Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik welcomed the Supreme Court judgment in Vedanta case, terming it as a blessing in disguise for Orissa. The CM said the Supreme Court had not objected to mining of bauxite on Niyamgiri Hills. In fact, the apex court had upheld the state cabinet's earlier resolution of asking for five per cent of profit from industries located in tribal areas.

Ironically, both media and opposition parties as well as the common people have failed to correctly interpret the Supreme Court decision in Vedanta case. Although the court restricted Vedanta Alumina Limited (VAL) from mining bauxite on Niyamgiri Hills, it had given opportunity for Sterilite Industries India Limited (SIIL) to develop the project.

Stars lined up for Puri Beach Festival

This year's Puri Beach Festival will provide a different taste and flavor to the visitors with stars from different parts of the country are scheduled to perform here over the next three days. Sunday evening would host noted film actress and danseuse Hema Malini and her daughters Isha Deol and Ahna Deol. Indian Idol participants Amit Paul and Ankita are also scheduled to perform before the crowd.

According to the organizers, Dhiman Shanker ballet of Kolkata, Bhangra of Punjab, Siddi Dhamal of Gujarat, Purulia Chhau of West Bengal, Bharatnatyam, Odissi and other folk dances of various states would be presented by noted artistes during the festival. In addition, handicraft and handloom products would be displayed in an exhibition.

The 13th Puri Beach Festival would feature some special events. Strong girls from the state would participate in beach volley ball and beach kabaddi. Also, a country boat race among fishermen and nolias will be held to encourage local participation in the beach festival.

Puri Beach Festival begins

The 13th Puri Beach Festival made a colorful start with much fanfare. Orissa Governor Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare inaugurated the festival. A large number of artists, tourists and other dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremony. This was the first time Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare attended the Puri Beach Festival and he looked bewitched by its charm.

State Tourism Minister Debiprasad Mishara, State Assembly Speaker Maheswar Mohanty, Chairperson of Puri Municipal Corporation Gourahari Pradhan and Chairman of Hotel and Restaurant Association (HRAO) J.K. Mohanty too attended the function. Noted danseuse Rupashree Mohapatra performed Mahari dance, while Nabakishore Mishra and his group performed the Odissi dance.

Youth from Orissa kills Lover's Mother, commits Suicide

Ditched by his beloved, Avinash Bhupen Patnaik, a 22 year old youth from Angul district, killed her mother and uncle and then committed suicide. The incident occurred in Mumbai. The gorgeous-looking model-cum-actress Moon Das (23) found herself in complete shock when she saw her mother and uncle in a pool of blood.

Moon and Avinash met each other during a ramp show in Orissa on New Year’s Eve last December and entered into a relationship. Later, Avinash shifted to Mumbai. However, their relationship did not last long and Moon spurned him after seven or eight months. Agitated over Moon's betrayal, Avinash entered her house with a country-made revolver. When he could not find her, he shot her mother and uncle dead.

Later, Moon reached home with her boy friend and found her mother and uncle dead. Avinash was still present there. Her friend locked Avinash inside a room and took her to the police station. However, Avinash committed suicide while he was inside the room. Avinash, a final year B.Com student owned a rice mill in Jarapada in Angul district.

Supreme Court: No bauxite-mining in Orissa for Vedanta

In a historic judgment, the Supreme Court has barred Vedanta Resources Plc from mining bauxite in the forest hills in Orissa. The verdict came as a victory for the tribal people in Niyamgiri Hills in Kalahandi, who have been protesting against the Vedanta Alumina. The court refused to take "the risk" of handing over an important 'national asset' to a company. It asked Vedanta Alumina to come back with a new proposal for the project.

Vedanta wanted to dig open-cast mines in the Niyamgiri hills to feed its alumina refinery. While both the centre and state government have backed its plan, thousands of tribals and environmentalist vociferously opposed it. According to tribals, the mine would destroy their sacred hill and livelihood. The environmentalists were opposed to the project, as it would damage the rich biodiversity of the hill and disrupt water sources for spring and streams.

Raids on Nurisng Homes in Orissa continues

Raids on nursing homes in Sundargarh district continued on Friday. At least 17 nursing homes and pathological clinics were sealed so far out of which 11 belonged to Rourkela Municipal area. An ultra-sound centre at Rajgangpur was sealed and a criminal case filed against its for illegal functioning.

The raids followed by reports of disposal of fake medicines and illegal ultra-sound cases in and around Rourkela and Sundargarh. Most of the units raided by the officials lacked the mandatory registration for running diagnostic centres. The raids were conducted on clinics run by certified medicos and quacks operating at slum pockets.

Genpact performs 'Bhumi Pujan' in Bhubaneswar

BPO leader Genpact has performed a ground breaking (Bhumi Pujan) ceremony for a special economic zone in Bhubaneswar. It was attended by Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik and Genpact CEO Pramod Bhasin. The proposed Global Operations Centre at Bhubaneswar would come up over 12.14 acre at Infocity. The operations would begin in early 2009.

Genpacts aims to have 5000 employees in its Bhubaneswar centre, which means thousands of youth in the state would get employment and won't have to travel to big cities in search of jobs. Genpact is also planning to set up a second branch at Infocity if its first centre runs successfully. Mr. Bhasin rubbished talks about the 'stress life' in BPO and maintained that employee satisfaction level in the BPO sector was very high.

Rama Devi students complain of Leering Guys

--By Sonam Sutar

The 'power babes' of Rama Devi (RD) Women's College, Bhubaneswar no longer feel themselves safe and secure. They are scared of the leering romeos who often sneak into their hostels. The modern-era girls rule the town, they make the guys grovel at their feet, be it in studies or extra-curricular activities and proved beyond doubt that they are the boss when it comes to a competition between them and their male counterparts.

The RD girls have the power, strength and ability to punish the road romeos, when confronted face-to-face. However, they are helpless when the anti-social elements attack them from behind. It is the responsibility of the college and hostel administration to provide foolproof security to the girl students. But that hardly happens.

The agitated girls gheraoed the college Principal for hours and demanded round-the-clock security in the college and hostels. The students boycotted classes, locked the college gates and sat on a dharna. They demanded that their demands be met immediately. They even threatened that their strike would continue indefinitely if the authorities do not pay heed to their demands.

Assembly adjourned thrice on the Third Day

Chaos and pandemonium prevailed in the state assembly for the third consecutive day. The opposition and ruling alliance failed to reach a consensus over the rule under which the police lathicharge issue would be discussed. That led to further trouble and the speaker had to adjourn the house thrice in the day. Later, he had to adjourn the house for the day.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged the Centre to hike the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy from Rs 695 to Rs 1,000. He wrote a letter to PM Manmohan Singh in this regard. The latest move by the Chief Minister is seen as a strategy to divert the attention from the lathicharge on farmers and appease the larger farmer community ahead of assembly elections to be held next year.

NALCO to set up Aluminium Park in Angul District

The National Aluminium Company (NALCO) is planning to set up an Aluminium Park close to its smelter plant in the Angul district of Orissa. It was revealed by Industries Minister B B Harichandan on Wednesday. The project is in cosideration phase. The exact location of the proposed park has not been decided yet.

Movies in Bhubaneswar Cinema Halls

To help our readers get updated news on the movies running in various cinema halls in Bhubaneswar, we have decided to come up with the latest list every week. Here's the first shot.

Hindi Movies:

Keshari: Om Shanti Om (4 Shows)

Maharaja: Saawariya (4 Shows)

Stutee: Saawariya (4 Shows)

Swati: Om Shanti Om (4 Shows)

Ekamra: Super Girl (4 Shows)

Oriya Movies:

Sriya: Kalishankar (4 Shows)

Ravi: Rasika Nagara (3 Shows)

Orissa Tribals hail Norway for banning Vedanta

The Norway government found support from unexpected quarters for its move to ban Vedanta Resources Plc from investing further in the country. A delegation of Orissa tribals met Norwegian embassy officials in New Delhi to express their gratitude for not allowing Vedanta to operate in Norway.

According to a supporter of the tribals, a delegation of Dongaria Kondh tribals met two representatives of Norwegian finance ministry in the embassy and gifted them two photographs of Niyamgiri Hills. Vedanta Alumina Ltd, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Plc, has signed a MoU with the Orissa government to set up a bauxite refinery in tribal-majority Kalahandi region.

The tribals are opposing the project fearing displacement and damage to their local heritage. According to them, the proposed project would destabilise wildlife in the area including elephants and rare lizards. They got inspired to step up their protest by Norway's recent move. Recently, Norway's state pension fund has sold around $13 million worth of shares in Vedanta Resources after it was found that Vedanta has caused severe environmental damage and violated human rights.

Orissa Assembly adjourned again

The deadlock inside the Orissa Assembly continued, as the house was adjourned for the second consecutive day. The speaker could not transact any business as opposition members stormed the well demanding a debate on lathicharge on farmers and teachers.

The opposition demanded a discussion under rule 113-b that has a provision for voting. However, the government seems in no mood to hold a debate that requires voting. As both sides stuck to their demand, the scene became ugly inside the house and the Speaker had no option but to adjourn the proceedings.

House adjourned twice amidst Uproarious Scenes

As expected, the winter session of Orissa Assembly began on a stormy note, with legislators of Opposition Congress and ruling BJD-BJP clashing with each other. The legislators came close to deadly blow, which forced Speaker Maheswar Mohanty to adjourn the proceedings. The opposition members were on fire over the issue of lathicharge on farmers and teachers.

Other issues such as fake drug racket, female foeticide and alleged corruption in the tender to mineral water industries were also raked up by the opposition. The assembly paid tribute to seven departed members and an army jawan. Everything went peaceful until leader of opposition, J B Patnaik demanded a special discussion on the police excess against the farmers and teachers. That created a furore in the assembly.

The assembly witnessed a similar scene when the house reassembled at 12.30 PM. However, Dy. Speaker Prahallad Dora adjourned the proceedings till 3 PM without giving the legislators a chance to create pandemonium in the house again.

United Nations to spend $24 Million in Orissa Development

In a significant development, the United Nations said that it would spend US $24 million for the development of Orissa in 2008. The money would be spent in the form of technical assistance and direct support to different welfare programs in the state.

UN Resident Coordinator and head of agencies of the UN System, Maxine Olsen made a presentation before the state government in this regard. According to him, the UN would focus on human resource development aiming promotion of social, economic and political inclusion of the most disadvantaged, especially women and girls. Besides Orissa, other states such as Bihar, Chhatishgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh will be given special attention.

Lathicharge on Orissa Teachers

Just days after the lathicharge on innocent farmers, Orissa Police again put up a barbaric display by beating the agitating teachers indiscriminately. More than 100 teachers sustained injuries. Ironically, the police excess did not occur at a single place. The police went berserk in several parts of the state including Bargarh, Bhadrak, Angul, Bhawanipatna, Nayagarh, Puri, Sundargarh and Jajpur.

The teachers have been demanding the abolition of the bloc grant system and full grant for their schools. According to reports, hundreds of teachers were arrested for breaking the police cordon. They have been charged for indulging in violence and ransacking government property.

About 30,000 teachers took part in the rallies and demonstrations held at all district headquarters of the state. Under fire from several quarters, the State Government has ordered a RDC (Revenue Divisional Commissioner) into the incident.

Arcelor-Mittal to harvest rain water in Orissa

Global Steel giant Arcelor-Mittal has decided to harvest rain water using technology that consumes less quantity of 'H2O' to reduce pressure on the natural resource. The Arcelor-Mittal's group management is consulting global experts in the field to reduce pressure on the natural resource.

Arcelor-Mittal's group officials met Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy to discuss the progress of the Orissa project. It could be recalled that the company has signed an MoU with the state government for setting up a 12 mtpa steel unit with an investment of Rs 40,000 crore in Keonjhar district. Since the farmers of Orissa are strongly opposing the government's decision to supply water from Hirakud reservoir to industries, Arcelor-Mittal's group has taken this step to ensure they do not take farmer's share of water.

Women activists hold Rally to protest Konark Gangrape

The gruesome Konark Gangrape that shook the entire state and the country, united women activists across the state, as they organized a massive rally in Konark to protest against the heinous crime agsinst women. The rally was organized by 'We Can' Orissa, in association with NAWO, OLS, TASK FORCE, SIR and AVA.

The protesters took out a procession from Konark to Chandrabhaga. They demanded proper justice and adequate compensation for the victim who was raped by four people at Marine Drive road near Konark.

Mrs. Sneha Mishra, the state coordinator of 'We Can' Orissa, Miss Sasmita, Campaign Manager and Mr. Lenin, Advocate & Core Member of 'We Can' Orissa, led the rally and procession. Master Students of the Centre for Social Sciences and Research (CSSR) took part in the rally. The rally began at 10.30 AM and ended at 5 PM. Then the activists marched to Puri to give a memorandum to District Collector and SP, who assured the delegation to ensure justice for the victim and also take adequate steps to prevent such incidents from occurring again.

Source: Breaking News Online

Cyclone Alert withdrawn from Orissa

In a huge relief for the people of Orissa, the Super Cyclone alert has been formally withdrawn by the state administration after the confirmation from the Met Department.

The cyclone Sidr, which has already hit Sagar Islands in West Bengal, caused heavy rains in coastal areas of West Bengal and is now moving towards Bangladesh. Situation in Bangladesh is continued to be grave and it is likely to be worse in the next 24 - 48 hours.

B B Mohanty declared Absconder

Suspended Orissa DGP B B Mohanty, has been declared an absconder by a lower court in Rajasthan. Mohanty is accused of helping his rapist son, Bitti Mohanty to jump parole. The court issued a non-bailable warrant against B B Mohanty, who has been missing since August 2007.

The Court has asked the Orissa police to submit a list of Mohanty's assets and properties by January 8, 2008. It's an irony that Orissa police continues to remain clueless about Bitti and B B Mohanty despite its best efforts.

Bhubaneswar goes Global

Bhubaneswar was not the same 10 years ago. Although the city was built on the planning of Chandigarh, its life-style never resembled Delhi or Chandigarh. However, things in 2007, have become completely different. Shopping Malls, Food Chains, Discos, Pubs and several other recreation homes are coming up in the city in large numbers.

Currently, there are two Biz Bazars, two Vishal Mega Marts and a grand Pantaloon store besides several food hangouts such as Coffee Cafe Day and Pizza Hut. The youngsters are now waiting for McDonald, Nirula's and KFC to arrive in the city sooner or later. The youngsters have completely fashionable, thanks to the impact of high education and exposure to city life.

Non-oriyas who are residing in Bhubaneswar in large numbers - have added spice to the life in Bahubaneswar. Punjabis, Marwaris, Bengalis and Biharis come to the city either for business, study or jobs in MNCs. MNC employees and young students have already taken the city by storm. They live their life to the fullest and make others to enjoy with them.

The clothes, mobile phones, jewelleries, accessories and other equipments the youngsters are using today in Bhubaneswar were never thought of a decade ago. That's the impact of globalization and the fever has gripped both guys and girls. The day is not too far when we will see young boys and girls from the city scoring a few points over their metro counterparts in every aspect.

Cyclonic Storm unlikely to cause damage in Orissa

The much-talked Cyclonic Storm that created a panic in Orissa, is unlikely to hit Orissa, as it is moving in a northern direction. In all probability, the storm is likely to cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coast on Friday. Although it may not cause heavy damage in the state, the coastal districts may still experience heavy rains and winds with 50-60 km speed per hour.

Indian Meteorological Department's latest report brought huge relief to the people of Orissa, as people were praying to god to rescue them from the danger. The state government has decided not to take any chances and alerted the district administration in coastal areas to be prepared to face any eventuality. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held a high level meeting with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Manmohan Samal and other top officials to take stock of the situation.

Cyclone Alert off Orissa Coast

A Cyclone alert has been issued in the coastal districts after a cyclonic formation occurred at a distance of 300 km from Port Blair. According to the sources, the formation is now located at a distance of 1000 km south east of Gopalpur Port. The storm is expected to reach Orissa within 72 hours. However, a clear picture will emerge by tomorrow.

The Special Relief Commissioner has asked all the District Collectors of coastal areas to stay alert. If the cyclonic storm reaches Orissa in its present form, a wind speed of 90km/hour is expected. However, the speed might reach 150km/hour if storm stays longer and takes a powerful shape. All fishermen in Paradeep, Gopalpur, Chandbali and Puri have been advised not to venture into the sea.

BSE Officials arrested

The Capital police arrested three former BSE (Board of Secondary Education) employees for their alleged involvement in the "magic marks" scandal that benefited the son of former school and mass education minister Bishnu Charan Das.

The scandal created raised a lot of hue and cry three months ago, leading to the resignation of the minister and a crime branch inquiry then after. With the arrest of the culprits, it is expected that truth will finally come out. The arrested people included Ex-Secretary Minaketan Pani, Ex-Controller Manmohan Swain and Ex-Section Officer (confidential) Nityananda Sutar. Investiga