Raghu - The "unsung hero", who tried to save Gandhi

Whenever the nation coomemorates the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Raghu is always remembered for his valiant courage shown to grab Gandhi's assasin Nathuram Godse. Raghu, a gardener, who worked in the Birla House, grappled with Godse on that fateful evening of January 30, 1948. He even managed to pin the assassin down. However, it was too late, as the bullets had already pierced through Bapu's body.

Raghu belonged to Jagulaipada village in Kendrapara district. India's first President Rajendra Prasad had written a letter to Raghu commending his efforts to save Gandhiji. Raghu also found a mention in the book "Mahatma Gandhi - the last phase," written by Gandhiji's private secretary Pyarelal. Raghu is no more, but his efforts got him a place in history.

Three more Steel Plants to be set up in Orissa

Giving a huge boost to the steel sector, the Orissa government has signed three MoUs for setting up three new steel plants in the state. The total investment would be Rs 2,00,000 crore. The government has so far signed 49 MoUs for the establishment of steel units. Eleven of them are mega projects. They included Arcelor-Mittal, Posco, Jindal and Tata Steel. The CM Naveen Patnaik deserves the credit to take Orissa on the path of high growth and development, as all MoUs were signed in the past 6 years.

The companies that signed MoUs on Tuesday are Pradhan Steel and Power Private Limited, Atha Mines Private Limited and Tecton Ispat Private Limited. They would produce one million tonne of steel per annum.

Pradhan Steel has proposed to set up a 0.50 mtpa steel plant with an investment of Rs 606 crore at Dhurusia in Cuttack district. Atha Mines would set up a 0.25 mtpa capacity unit at an investment of Rs 291.60 crore at Tarkabeda in Dhenkanal district. Tecton Ispat would set up a 0.25 mtpa steel unit over 150 acre of land at an investment of Rs 227.13 crore at Tarkebeda in Dhenkanal district.

Panic in Orissa over Bird Flu

People in Orissa are in a state of panic over the Bird Flu West Bengal. All borders with the neighbour West Bengal have been sealed and prohibitory orders (under Section 144) have been clamped in 110 villages that are located on West Bengal border. The border has been sealed across Mayurbhanj, Balasore and Sundargarh.

According to government sources, the goverment has immunized 50,000 chickens as a preventive measure and is planning to immunize 2 lakh more chickens in the border areas. In Balasore and Mayurbhanj, the price of chicken has come down to Rs 20 - 25 per kg. At least 13 districts in West Bengal are affected by the outbreak of Bird Flu.

Fake Currency Notes seized in Sambalpur

A fake currency racket was busted in Sambalpur, when the police seized fake currency notes worth Rs 104,000 from a person called Jagadish Agarwal. His house in Rourkela was raided. It has been reported that Jagadish admitted of receiving the fake currency notes from a woman who had alleged links with people in Pakistan.

The latest revelation strengthened the belief that Pakistan's ISI is running fake currency racket in Orissa and its neighbouring states. Police is investigating the matter to know the truth.

Jungle Safaris at Bhitarkanika and Simlipal Sanctuaries

Swosti Travels, owned by Swosti Group, has introduced jungle safaris at Bhitarkanika and Similipal sanctuaries in Orissa. The 7-day package includes stay at different locations, forest adventure, animal rides and local visits. Read more here.

Orissa bans poultry imports from West Bengal

The Orissa government has sealed its borders with West Bengal and banned the import of poultry products from that state in the wake of outbreak of Bird Flu there. Prohibitory orders were clamped in at least 72 villages in Balasore district and several villages in Mayurbhanj districts.

More than half of West Bengal are affected by Bird Flu. The government move followed by the seizure of trucks loaded with eggs and poultry birds on Orissa - West Bengal border while they were coming from West Bengal.

Republic Day celebrated in Orissa

Despite rain and bad weather, a large number of people gathered across the state to celebrate the 59th Republic Day. In Bhubaneswar, governor Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare unfurled the national tri-colour and took salute from the marching contingents. A good number of people lined up on both sides of the road to watch the march past.

Personnel from 7th Batallion, CRPF, CISF, RPF, NCC, Territorial Army and women recruit constables took part in the parade. Schoolchildren from various schools too took part in the parade. Despite the Maoists' call to observe 'Black Day' in Malkangiri and Koraput, people were seen celebrating the Republic Day amid tight security arrangements.

Gangadhar Pradhan and Dr. Srinivas Udgata get Padma Shri

Noted Odissis danseuse Guru Gangadhar Pradhan and renowned litterateur Dr. Srinivas Udgata brought honour to the state by winning the Padma Shri awards on the eve of the 59th Republic Day. They were named among the 71 persons selected for Padma Shri award this year. You can find the full list of Padma Awards here.

Abhijit, Alka Yagnik to perform at Musical Nite in Bhubaneswar

Here's a good news for music lovers in the state. Pine Cask in association with radio partner Radio Choklate, presents a memorable Musical Nite at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar on January 31, 2008. Renowned playback singers Abhijit, Alka Yagnik, actors Rahul Dev, Parmeet Sethi and Archana Puran Singh will perform at the gala show, which is scheduled to begin at 5 PM.

Tickets for the show are available in four denominations - Rs. 100, Rs. 200, Rs. 300 and Rs. 500. Interested people can avail the tickets at the following centres:

Bhubaneswar:

Zebashish (Bapuji Nagar)
Light House (Metro Classic Tower, Sahid Nagar)
Hydeout (Janpath, Unit 3)
Bishandayal Jewellers (Sriya Aquare)
Kalyani Car Magic (Cuttack Road)

Cuttack:

Raymond Shop (Matamath)
Jayram Lenka (Choudhury Bazar)
Sambad Office (Link Road)

Orissa Govt: Bijayashree Routray in World Bank report

The State Government has revealed the former Health Minister Bijayshree Routray was named in the World Bank report for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 5 lakh during the implementation of Orissa Health System Development Project (OHSDP). The revelation came after a World Bank team met Chief Secretary Ajit Tripathy. According to the World Bank team, the money was paid in 2005.

The latest revelation charged the political atmosphere in the state. While Bijayshree Routray expressed shock and surprise and dismissed the allegations, opposition parties including the Congress have accused Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the irregularities and demanded his immediate resignation.

UP Mafia Don arrested in Bhubaneswar

Notorious UP gangster Brijesh Singh was arrested in Bhubaneswar by the Special Cell of Delhi Police. He was a former MLC of UP Legislative Council. Brijesh Singh was wanted in several cases across India. More than 100 cases are pending against him in various courts.

He has been absconding for over two decades now. He is believed to be a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim. A fake passport has been recovered from Singh. Recently, UP CM Mayawati has accused Brijesh Singh of plotting to kill her.

The police investigations revealed that Brijesh Singh came to Bhubaneswar 4 years back and was staying in Nayapalli under the fake name of Arun Singh. He also set up a real estate company called "Vindhyanchal Real Estate & Properties".

A 14-member Delhi Police team, working on a tip-off, reached Bhubaneswar and kept the operation a close secret. The Orissa police got to know about it only when Brijesh Singh was finally arrested. Since the arrest took place near a shopping mall, people took it as a kidnapping. While Delhi police was leaving Bhubaneswar without intimating the local police, the city police intercepted them and confronted at the Airport.

There was high drama and frantic phone calls made between Delhi and Bhubaneswar several times in the day. Finally, the Bhubaneswar police took Brijesh Singh to a local police station and interrogated him in the presence of Delhi Police team. Later, Brijesh was produced before the local sub-divisional judicial magistrate court (SDJM). The court allowed the Delhi Police to take Brijesh Singh in "transit remand".

Bird Flu scare: Poultry prices fall in Orissa

The recent outbreak of Bird Flu in more than 10 districts of West Bengal, has caused panic in Orissa with the poultry products have fallen sharply in several parts of the state. The worst affected area is Balasore, which is nearer to West Bengal. While the price of a dressed chicken in Bhubaneswar is Rs 60 - Rs 80 per kg, it is available at Rs 40 per kg in Balasore. The price of eggs in Balasore has come down from Rs 24 to Rs 15 per dozen.

Although no Bird Flu cases have been reported in Orissa yet, many people have stopped eating chicken and eggs due to fear and apprehensions. The poultry business in the state has taken a hit, following the spread of the disease from one district to another in West Bengal.

Eco Camps in Orissa will soon become a Reality

Orissa Tourism department is planning to launch the state's first Eco Camp at Ramachandi, which falls between Puri and Konark. Similar projects will be set up at Tampara (near Gopalpur) and Chilka. The projects are expected to take off during the first week of February 2008.

The eco camps will target the tourists who visit the above places during the Spring and Summer. The projects will begin on an experimental basis. The Tourism department has planned to offer promotional rates and packages for this season. Ramachandi Eco Camp will have 20 cottages with modern lodging facilities, high quality food and natural scenery. The proposed Eco Camp at Chilka will have water sports.

Orissa Tourism Development Corporation will handle the management of the Eco Camps in the initial phase. The OTDC is planning to promote the Eco Camps at the Travel Marts and the World Travel Market next year.

Centre to take decision on IIT and IIM in Orissa soon

Union Minister for HRD, Arjun Singh has assured Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik that the Centre would take a decision on setting up IIT and IIM in Orissa soon. Mr Patnaik reiterated Orissa's demand for the IIT and IIM in the wake of growing demand of higher professional education in the region.

The Orissa CM also demanded the setting up of a Central University in the KBK region in order to provide both traditional and modern education to youths in that area. While calling on the Union Urban Development Minister Mr S Jaipal Reddy, Naveen Patnaik sought more assistance in developing the urban infrastructure. The CM requested Mr Reddy to increase the allocation of funds to the state under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for the Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT).

BJP holds pro-farmer rally in Sambalpur

The Bharatiya Janata Party held a massive pro-farmer rally called The "Kranti Samavesh" in Sambalpur. The rally was organized to mark the second birth centenary of Vir Surendra Sai on January 23 and also to celebrate the completion of 150 years of the First War of Independence. Coincidentally, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's birth centenary falls on the same day.

BJP President Rajnath Singh addressed a huge gathering and declared that if BJP returns to power at the Centre, the minimum support price for rice will be not less than Rs 1,100 per quintal. The BJP also promised to keep the interest on farm loans at four per cent. Mr Rajnath Singh also said that if voted to power, the NDA will not only reduce interest rates on farm loans, but also provide a one year moratorium on repayment of loans.

Rajnath also played the "Rama Card" when he asserted that BJP would not allow the Ram Sethu to be destroyed or even damaged by the Sethusamudram project.

BJP's latest rally in Sambalpur could be regarded as a game plan to counter the Congress offensive in Western Orissa. BJP has emerged as a big force in Western Orissa in the past few years and the party does not want the Congress to seize the initiative. Significantly, BJP State President Suresh Pujari belongs to Sambalpur. He left no stones unturned to make the rally massive and impressive.

Besides Rajnath Singh, Chhatisgarh CM Mr Raman Singh, the all India general secretary Mr Vinay Katiyar, and many state ministers and MPs addressed the meeting.

Ghost of Gastroenteritis is back again in Rayagada

Around 200 people in Rayagada have been affected by gastroenteritis during the last four days. There are concerns that the disease may take a form of epidemic, just as it did four months ago. The state government has put health officials in that area on high alert. The patients are being given medical treatment in government hospital.

It's an irony that government and health department did little to prevent the outbreak of the disease despite the fact that more than 50 people had died of the disease in Kashipur block a few months back. The root cause of the deadly disease has been attributed to contaminated food and water.

CRPF Personnel to stay in Orissa till March 15

The Centre agreed to Orissa government's request to retain all seven battalions of CRPF in riot-affected Kandhamal district till March 15, 2008. The decision was taken after Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil in New Delhi.

The Union Home Minister also assured to provide all possible financial and human support to Orissa to strengthen its internal security system.

Death toll reaches 5 in Bhubaneswar Bus Fire

Death toll in Bhubaneswar bus fire tragedy reached 5, as one more victim succumbed to his injuries at SCB Medical College, Cuttack. Some of the injured are still said to be in critical condition. The investigating team has not been able to ascertain the real cause of the fire that claimed 5 lives and injured 30.

Information about the injured can be obtained from the Helpline No. 9437308717.

Facor to invest Rs 2,500 crore in Orissa

Delhi-based Ferros Alloys Corporation, popularly known as Facor Group, will invest Ra 2,500 crore in Orissa over the next four years. The company would set up a 0.5-million tonne greenfield stainless steel manufacturing unit and a 250 MW thermal power unit in the state.

The plan was announced by Ashim Saraf, joint Managing Director of Facor. The Facor Group already has a ferro alloy unit in Randia district in Orissa.

Three Maoists arrested in Orissa

The Orissa police achieved a major breakthrough by arresting three Maoists who were planning to launch a major strike in Malkangiri district on the eve of Republic Day celebrations.

The police also seized huge quantities of explosives (including a country-made gun, landmines, 50 gelatin sticks and detonators) from their camp in Motu area. One of arrested Maoists was from Chhatisgarh, while the two others were from Malkangiri district.

Tourist Bus catches fire in Bhubaneswar, 4 dead

In a ghastly tragedy, at least 4 people were dead and 25 injured when a tourist bus returning from Puri to Bhubaneswar, caught fire. While two people were charred to death on the spot, two others succumbed to injuries in the medical. The bus belonged to the Madhya Pradesh Tourism department. All tourists were from Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. The number of the ill-fated bus is MP-33E 9090.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials have rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation. The CM has assured all possible support to the injured. The injured are currently being treated at SCB Medical College, Cuttack. The reason of the fire is not immediately known. But sources said the blast could have been triggered by the kerosene stoves carried by the pilgrims to cook food. Further details are awaited.

Orissa Govt orders Vigilance Probe into Health Project Scam

The state government has ordered a vigilance probe into the alleged bribe paid to a former health minister of the state and some officials in a World Bank aided project. The government has also asked the World Bank to provide specific names of the people involved in the scam. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that action would be taken against those found guilty.

The issue came out in open, as the World Bank named a former Orissa Health Minister for allegedly taking bribe in its report on Orissa Health System Development Project. According to the report, the former minister and other officials accepted Rs 5 lakh and Rs 25 lakh respectively from a firm.

RIL to invest $1 billion in Orissa

Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) would invest $1.139 billion in Orissa to develop gas fields. According to the official sources, RIL has submitted an initial development plan (IDP) for six gas discoveries in the NEC-25 block in Orissa. The plan is expected to be approved by April 2008.

Juel Oram accuses BJD MP Sugriv Singh of masterminding attack on Hindu Leader

In an interesting development, BJP MP and National Vice President of the party, Juel Oram has accused Phulbani MP Sugriv Singh of masterminding the attack on Hindu religious leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, which triggered widespread violence and turned into a communal riot in entire Kandhamal district.

The BJP delegation under the leadership of Juel Oram, visited riot-affected Kandhamal on Wednesday and took stock of the situation. They expressed dissatisfaction over the distribution of relief materials and urged the state government to ensure fast action to help the affected people.

The BJP alleged that Hindus were still living under fear in the area and their plight go unnoticed by politicians, administration and the visiting dignitaries who only express concern over the plight of Christians. They also stressed on the need for a strict anti-conversion law to stop illegal and unfair conversion.

Bhubaneswar 'rape' accused arrested

The Bhubaneswar police achieved a major breakthrough by arresting the accused in connection with the attempted rape on a female lawyer in Balipatna. The accused Laxmidhar Swain (35) is an illegal liquor vendor. He was later identified by the victim. According to police sources, Laxmidhar was the lone accused in this case. He belongs to nearby Khamang village.

The lawyers, who went on a rampage on Tuesday and boycotted court on Wednesday, called off their agitation and returned to work, when they were informed of the arrest of the accused. The accused would be produced in court today.

Migratory birds found dead in Chilika Lake

At least 22 migratory birds were found dead in the Chilika Lake. Although the officials ruled out any possibilities of Bird Flu outbreak, they have sent the blood samples to High Security Animal Husbandry Laboratory laboratory in Bhopal. Further details are awaited.

Bird Flu scare: Warning notice issued in Orissa

After Bird Flu cases were confirmed in West Bengal, the Orissa government has issued a warning note to veterinary officials in all 30 districts to take necessary precautions against a possible outbreak of the disease.

More than 18,000 poultry died in South Dinajpur and Birbhum districts of West Bengal over the past few days. The Union Health Ministry yesterday confirmed the detection H5N1 virus on the dead birds. The West Bengal government has ordered culling operations from today.

Anu Choudhury files for Divorce

Leading Oriya actress Anu Choudhury and her husband businessman Sandeep Mishra have filed for divorce in a civil court in Bhubaneswar. The duo had got married in March 2006. However, some personal differences forced them to stay apart.

Both Anu and Sandeep refused to talk to the media on this issue and asserted that their decision was completely personal.

Lawyers on rampage, protest rape attempt on Female Lawyer

The lawyers of Bhubaneswar Bar Association went on a rampage on Tuesday, protesting a rape attempt on of a female lawyer in Balipatna, 20 km from Bhubaneswar.

It was alleged that some miscreants tried to rape a young lawyer working in Bhubaneswar court while she was returning home. The incident occurred at Balipatna village. The victim was overpowered as soon as she got off the bus and headed towards home. However, she managed to escape after a scuffle with the miscreants.

It is not immediately not known who were behind the heinous crime. But media and other sources point the fingers on persons close to the victim. The victim was sent by the police for medical examination. The matter is being investigated by officers of Bhubaneswar women's police station.

The lawyers went on a protest in capital and blocked the road, bringing the traffic to a standstill for 3 hours. They even damaged some police and public vehicles besides trying to set a traffic post on fire. The lawyers have demanded immediate justice for the victim and arrest of all accused. A crime branch probe into the incident has been demanded from all sections of the society.

Demand of 'Bharat Ratna' for legendary Biju Patnaik

The BJD has been long demanding the 'Bharat Ratna' award for former Orissa CM and towering leader late Biju Patnaik, but it was ignored by successive governments at the centre including the NDA government of which the BJD has been a trusted ally. However, the latest developments in which several parties have started demanding 'Bharat Ratna' for their leaders, have given BJD some hopes of renewing its demand. And, exactly did it.

The Orissa CM and BJD President Naveen Patnaik has demanded that country's highest civilian award be conferred on his father late Biju Patnaik. He said there have demands to confer the 'Bharat Ratna' award on Biju Patnaik in the past too. Now the party has decided to do this in a dignified and correct manner to suit the legendary personality.

The late Biju Patnaik is considered the most influential leader Orissa has ever produced. He had received accolade both in India and abroad. He was conferred several prestigious civilian honours in Indonesia and Russia. The Indonesian government had conferred its highest civilian award "Bhumiputra" or "Son of the Soil" on Biju Patnaik decades ago.

KITT Chancellor Achyut Samant among top 15 Social Entrepreneurs

Achyut Samant, the Chancellor of KIIT University, has been placed among the top 15 social entrepreneurs of the world. The announcement was made by the executive director of the Social Edge-Skoll Foundation, USA.

On the basis of his ranking, Samant has been selected for a fellowship of USD 20,000 for a week program from August 19 to 31 in Santa Clara University. He would deliver lectures on various aspects of social entrepreneurship. Mr Samant is also the founder secretary of KIIT and KIIS.

Movies in Bhubaneswar Cinema Halls (11 Jan - 17 Jan)

Ajay Devgun and Vidya Balan starrer "Halla Bol" has been released this week. Oriya movie "Dhanare Rakhibu Shapatha Mora" also hit the Bhubaneswar cinema.

Hindi Movies:

Swati: Halla Bol (4 Shows)
Keshari: Welcome (3 Shows)

Halla Bol (Night Show)

Maharaja: Taare Zameen Par

Oriya Movies:

Shriya: Tumaku Parunita Bhuli (4 Shows)

Stutee: Dhanare Rakhibu Shapatha Mora (4 Shows)
Rabi: Samaya Hatare Dori (3 Shows)

Opposition leaders visit Kandhamal

After the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik lifted the restrictions on politicians' visit to Kandhamal, senior leaders of six political parties visited riot-hit Kandhamal district to take stock of the situation. They are on a two-day visit to the district. Earlier, the CM urged the visiting politicians to make sure that peace in the area is not disturbed.

The leaders who are on a visit to Kandhamal include Jayadeb Jena, Srikanta Jena and Narasingha Mishra (Congress), Amar Satpathy and Utkal Parida (NCP), Dibakar Nayak (CPI), Janardan Pati and Jagannath Mishra (CPI - M), Sudam Marandi (JMM), and Harish Mohapatra (RJD). They would first visit Khajuripada and Phulbani areas on Saturday. Phiringia, Daringibadi and Brahmanigaon areas will be on their itinerary on Sunday.

Top 10 Engineering Colleges in Orissa

This article was written more than six months ago. The article had listed 10 Engineering Colleges in the state, but their listing is no longer relevant on today's date. To set the record straight, Orissa News Online has come up with another updated listing. Please visit the following link to read "The Top 20 Engineering Colleges in Orissa".

http://www.orissatimes.net/2008/06/top-20-engineering-colleges-in-orissa_29.html

We appreciate the feedback from our readers, students of the state and some eminent professors who helped us to undo our previous mistake and come up with the new article, which we believe is correct in the current scenario.

B B Mohanti granted Bail

After spending a night in jail, former Orissa DGP (Home Guards) and father of rape convict Bitti Mohanti, finally granted bail by the Jaipur Additional District Court Judge C P Sharma. Mohanti had to submit a surety and bail bond of Rs one lakh.

Earlier, Mohanti was sent to judicial custody for two weeks by Additional Chief Judical Magistrate Rajendra Kumar Bansal who had rejected his bail plea. B B Mohanti is currently lodged in the jail and he is expected to be released by evening or tomorrow morning.

Canada exploring Investment Opportunities in Orissa

After Arcelor-Mittal and POSCO, it's now Canada's turn to explore invest opportunities in Orissa. Recently, Canada's High Commissioner to India, David Malone held talks with Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik in this regard. The duo met in Bhubaneswar. According to Malone, a number of Canadian companies are interested to invest in Orissa's mining sector.

Currently, at least 100 Canadian companies are doing business in India. But only five or six companies are active in Orissa. Malone urged the Chief Minister to extend cooperation so that more Canadian companies could invest money in the state.

"People's Car" Tata Nano launched

Tata Motors, has finally launched its dream "People's Car" in India. The car is branded as Tata Nano. The Rs 1 lakh car is touted as the world's cheapest car. The Tata Nano will be available in Indian market from October 2008. Read more here.

BB Mohanti surrenders

Ending the hide and seek game with the police, former DGP of Orissa, B B Mohanti, finally surrendered at a Jaipur Court today. Mohanti is accused of helping his rapist son Bitti Mohanti to jump parole from the Jaipur Jail in December 2006. Mohanti reached the Court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate with his lawyers.

NGO-Maoist link in Kandhamal reported

The Hindu outfits in Orissa have alleged that there are alleged links between the NGOs run by Christian organizations and the Maoists. The reports suggest that foreign funds received by the NGOs are being transferred to the Maoists, who in return play a crucial role in the communal divide in Kandhamal district.

The Orissa government has taken the allegations seriously and decided to inquire into it. According to police sources, one of the people involved in the attack on Hindu colony in Brahmanigaon may have been a Maoist. Circumstantial evidences suggest that Maoists were behind the retaliatory attack by Christians. Truth will come out once the investigations are carried out.