Naxal Attack in Balimela: Rescue Operation on, CM announces compensation for Victims

The Orissa government has intensified the rescue operations in Chitrakonda across the Balimela Reservoir, where 36 jawans of Greyhound forces from Andhra Pradesh and Orissa went missing after the Maoists capsized their boat at Alampakka. Naval divers joined the search operation on Monday. A joint operation of the Andhra Pradesh and Orissa's fire brigade and security personnel is underway to find out the missing jawans and the sunk boat.

Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held a high level meeting of senior police officials and reviewed the situation. He announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the dead and assured that state government will bear all medical expenses of the injured jawans.

The Top 20 Engineering Colleges in Orissa

Once dubbed as a poor and underdeveloped state, Orissa is all set to become an IT superpower on the national map. A significant number of IT and Engineering students from Orissa are being recruited by many small and large Indian companies as well as the MNCs. Gone are the days, when we used to see a selective number of Oriya students in IT and Engineering field. Today, the market is mostly dominated by professionals from Orissa and the trend is expected to continue in future too.

When IT and Engineering professionals from the state are doing well in the industry, it would be unfair to ignore the institutes and colleges that set the platform for these professionals. Based on our knowledge and research, we have listed the top ten Engineering Colleges in Orissa.

A few months back, we had come up with a list of top ten Engineering Colleges in Orissa. As expected, we received both bouquets and brickbats to the list. A large number of people raised objections on the rankings, listing of some particular colleges and non-listing of some important colleges. Some people ignored the fact that we had listed the colleges in a random order, not according to their ranks.

To set things right, we have come up with a list of top 20 Engineering Colleges in the state. We have made an extensive research by taking feedbacks from Engineering students, professors, our readers and young career aspirants. We still may not satisfy a section of people who will love to see their colleges in this list or may want some colleges to be listed above the order. They are always welcome to send their feedbacks.

The JEE Results are out and students are busy in finding the right counseling on which colleges to opt. While we are not in a position to give proper counseling to the aspirants, we hope that this list will help everyone to know more about the top Engineering colleges in the state.

Find JEE Results here: http://www.jeeorissa.com/jee_result.asp

Here are the Top 20 Engineering Colleges in Orissa:

1) National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela

The Regional Engineering College, Rourkela (RECR) was established in 1961. RECR is a joint undertaking of Union and State government. Now it is known as National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela. The courses offered by NIT, have been approved by AICTE.

NIT imparts excellent technical education and accommodates a large number of students from all over India and World. It offers several degree and master programs including MCA, M.Tech, M.Sc and B.Tech. REC or NIT provides 100 per cent placement opportunities to its students. NIT has received 23rd rank in Dataquest '08 rankings.

2. University College of Engineering (UCE), Burla, Sambalpur

University College of Engineering (UCE), Burla is one of the leading Engineering colleges of the state. UCE is a constituent College of Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Rourkela. The college was set up in 1956. Admission of students to the B.Tech Program, MCA program & B.Tech. (Lateral Entry of Diploma Holders) are made through the Joint Engineering Examination (JEE) conducted by BPUT in the various disciplines as approved by AICTE.

3. College of Engineering & Technology (CET), Bhubaneswar

College of Engineering & Technology (CET) was established in 1981 with two branches of Mechanical and Civil Engineering. Now it has become one of the most favourite destinations for the Engineering students. CET, a government engineering college, is affiliated to BPUT. All its courses are AICTE approved. It offers B.Tech course in seven disciplines. In addition, it offers MCA, M.Tech (part-time) and Bachelor Degree in Architecture. Placement opportunities at CET are very high.

4. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) was one of the youngest institutions to be awarded the deemed university status in India. Later, it got the status of a University. Established in 1992, KIIT grew from an ITI training centre to a recognized technical educational institute with excellent infrastructure and academic curriculum.

KIIT takes pride in imparting quality technical education of international standard. It offers B Tech and M Tech courses under KITS School of Technology. KIIT also offers B.Sc, M.Sc and MCA programmes. Kalinga Polytechnic, a sister concern of KIIT, offers Diploma Engineering courses that are considered best in the state.

KIIT is the youngest institution in the country to receive accreditation by National Board of Accreditation (NBA) of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) of UGC. It received accreditation for its Degree in Engineering, MCA and MBA programs. Placement opportunities at KIIT are high.

5. Institute of Technical Education & Research (ITER), Bhubaneswar

ITER started its journey as Siksha ‘O' Anusandhan, a charitable educational society promoted by educationists and professionals in 1995. Today's it has become one of the most sought-after institute in the state. ITER is affiliated to the Biju Patnaik University of Technology and has been approved by AICTE. Siksha O Anusandhan has now become a deemed university.

ITER has excellent infrastructure and educational opportunities for the engineering and MCA students. It conducts 4-year degree courses in various disciplines of engineering. It also offers M.Tech and MCA. Placement opportunities at ITER are very high.

6. Silicon Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar

Silicon is one of the premier Engineering Institutes in the state. It has gained popularity among the students and academics in a very short period. The last two years have been very significant from Silicon's point of view, as it has achieved high growth over that period. The young institute has become a centre for excellence and is rated high among the top Engineering colleges in Orissa.

A hi-tech institute of its kind, Silicon is rated at par with ITER, KIIT and NIST. It has a state-of-the art building, high-end infrastructure, experienced faculty, conducive study environment and lucrative placement opportunities. The institute has taken several initiatives to offer academic excellence to its students. B.Tech and MCA courses in Silicon are high in demand. Silicon is affiliated to BPUT.

7. CV Raman College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar

CV Raman College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar has the reputation of providing best quality education to its students. It is one of the oldest Engineering colleges of Orissa. CV Raman College of Engineering offers various Engineering courses and is affiliated to BPUT. It has a high percentage placement record.

8. National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Berhampur

NIST is considered as one of the reputed Engineering Colleges in Orissa. NIST has achieved due recognition in the field of technical education. Over the last 12 months, NIST has gained unexpected popularity among the students and faculty. The institute is famous for imparting quality education with all technical and infrastructural facilities.

NIST has a good placement record from 2005 to 2008. Several of its students have joined IT giants such as Wipro, TCS, Infosys, Mphasis and IFlex Solutions. NIST offers B.Tech, M.Tech and MBA. The institute mainly focuses on academics, knowledge development and research. NIST is affiliated to BPUT.

9. Gandhi Institute of Technological Advancement (GITA), Bhubaneswar

GITA is one of the youngest Engineering Colleges in the state. It was established in 2004. But over the last four years, it has achieved several milestones and is rated in the top 10 engineering colleges of Orissa. GITA is affiliated to Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT). The royal-looked building of GITA has excellent infrastructure and modernized lab Facilities embedded with latest advanced equipments.

GITA offers courses in Electronics & Communication Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Information Technology. It has a highly qualified and well-experience faculty. GITA offers National and International placement through a nine-member Central Placement Cell. It also offers coaching for GRE, TOFEL and Civil Services. The coaching is available to selected brand of students.

10. Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology (IGIT), Sarang

IGIT is one of the oldest Engineering Colleges in the state. It came into existence in 1982 and continued to provide academic excellence over the years. IGIT students used to get placed in good companies even when the IT industry was going through a recession in 2001 - 2002. IGIT was earlier affiliated to Utkal University. Later, it became an autonomous unit.

IGIT, Sarang offers B.Tech courses in Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Metallurgy and Materials Engineering. It also offers MCA and other diploma courses in Civil, Electrical, Electronics and Telecommunication, Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering. The institute has sophisticated infrastructure, dedicated faculty and excellent placement opportunities.

11. Gandhi Institute of Engineering & Technology, Gunupur

Gandhi Institute of Engineering & Technology (GIET), Gunupur offers a heavenly look to the visitors. GIET was established in 1997. It is approved by AICTE & Government of Orissa. GIET is affiliated to Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT). GIET offers B.Tech and M.Tech courses under various disciplines. The institute has a good placement record.

12. Orissa Engineering College (OEC), Utkal University

Orissa Engineering College (OEC) is the first private engineering college to be established in Orissa. It was set up in 1986. It is affiliated to the Biju Patnaik University of Technology and has been approved by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education).

OEC brings about all-round development in the personality of students and faculty. It offers engineering courses in various disciplines. Students from OEC are recruited by many big and small-and-medium companies.

13. Gandhi Engineering College Bhubaneswar

Gandhi Engineering College, Bhubaneswar is a new, but emerging Engineering College in Orissa. It was established in 2006. But in less than two years, it has achieved a distinction of being in the top 20 engineering colleges of the state. GEC is approved by AICTE, New Delhi and affiliated to BPUT, Orissa.

Gandhi Engineering College has ultra-modern infrastructure and experienced faculty members. It provides best facilities to the students. The college offers courses such as Computer Science & Engg., Information Technology, Electronics & Communication Engg. and Electrical & Electronics Engg. Placement opportunities are said to be good at GEC.

14. College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar

College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar (CEB) is one of the premier Engineering colleges in the state. Established in 1999 under Nabadigant Educational Trust, CEB has become one of the most promising Engineering Colleges of the state. It imparts high quality education, research and other developmental programmes. CEB is approved by AICTE and is affiliated to BPUT, Orissa.

CEB offers B.Tech courses in various branches including Computer Science & Engineering and Information Technology. CEB also offers MCA and MBA programmes. It is said to have a good placement cell.

15. Krupajala Engineering College (KEC), Bhubaneswar

Krupajal Engineering College (KEC) was founded in 1995 as a missionary institution to provide professional education. It has grown full-strength in the recent year and has become one of the premier Engineering colleges of the state. It is approved by AICTE, New Delhi & Affiliated to Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Orissa. KEC offers 4-year B.Tech programs under various disciplines of Engineering. Placement opportunities at KEC are very high.

16. Trident Academy of Technology (TAT), Bhubaneswar

Trident Academy of Technology (TAT), Bhubaneswar is an emerging Engineering institute, which has achieved a lot in a very short period. The institute is affiliated to BPUT and all its courses are approved by the AICTE. Trident offers B.Tech and MCA courses.

Trident has a state-of-art building in Bhubaneswar and imparts high quality education to its students. Placement opportunities at Trident are not very high, but it's still much better than many other Engineering institutes in the state.

17. Orissa School of Mining Engineering, Keonjhar

Orissa School of Mining Engineering is a 50-year old Engineering institution of national repute. It is approved by the AICTE and affiliated to BPUT. The Institution was started in the year 1956 to impart Diploma education. Later, it began offering B.Tech courses.

Students from OSME have been hired by top most companies of the state and other MNCs. It is believed that most Mining and other Industrial units from the state prefers students from Orissa School of Mining.

18. NMIET, Bhubaneswar

NM Institute of Engineering and Technology (NMIET) is one of the youngest, but most promising Engineering Colleges in Orissa. It's a part of NM Group of Institutions. NMIET is approved by AICTE and is affiliated to Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT). NMIET is an ISO 9001-2000 Certified Institute. NM Group, which became famous for NM Tutorials, has been highly successful in running NMIET.

NMIET offers 4-year B.Tech courses, 3 year MCA Programme and 2 year full time MBA Programme. It provides the students with advanced infrastructure and ultra-modern facilities. The placement opportunities at NMIET are considered to be good.

19. Eastern Academy Of Science And Technology (EAST), Bhubaneswar

Eastern Academy of Science and Technology (EAST) is one of the emerging and promising Engineering colleges of the state. It's an ISO 9001-2000 Certified Institution. EAST offers B.Tech courses in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics & Telecom Engineering, Electn & Insti. Engg, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Environmental Engg. and Bio-Medical Engg.

EAST offers good academic facilities and placement opportunities to its students. It's approved by AICTE and is affiliated to BPUT, Orissa.

20. Gandhi Institute for Technology (GIT), Bhubaneswar

Gandhi Institute for Technology (GIT) is a well known college for Engineering. The college is duly approved by the AICTE and is affiliated to BPUT, Rourkela. It may not be one of the best colleges in the state, but certainly it has a promising future. In the past two years, it has made significant progress in terms of education and placement.

GIT offers B.Tech courses in various branches and also has sophisticated infrastructure and good faculty. Training facilities at the GIT are considered to be very good.

Dr. Sarojini Sahoo - A Contemporary Writer from Orissa

--By P. Neelakantha Achary, Staff Writer

"The world would be a lot of poorer without sexual energy in art, music, literature, drama, architecture, design, poetry and cooking", Dr. Sarojini Sahoo says in one of her posts on Sexuality and Spiritualism in Indian literature. In fact, few writers dare to write on such subjects, and she is one of them.

Dr. Sahoo needs no introduction to readers of contemporary Oriya literature. Sarojini has emerged as a writer crusading for the cause of feminism through various experimentation in her fiction. Most of her stories and novels tend to become no-holds-barred exploration into the feminist self of a feminine soul.

She is the daughter of Orissa and her work reflects the true image of feminism in the society. Her feminism is always linked with sexual politics of a woman. She denies patriarchy limits of sexual expression for a woman and identifies women's sexual liberation as the real motive behind the women's movement. She is the ray of hope for millions those aim to root out the gender difference from the society.

Let's have a look on her major work and achievements - A distinguished feminist writer, and former editor of Pallaba, a fiction oriented Oriya journal, she has been conferred with the Orissa Sahitya Academy Award, 1993, the Jhankar Award, 1992, the Bhubaneswar Book Fair Award and the Prajatantra Award.

Dr. Sarojini Sahoo was the first Oriya writer, whose novel has been translated and published from Bangladesh. Her novel 'Gambhiri Ghara' was a bestseller in Bangladesh when it published under the title of Mithya Gerosthali by Anupam Prakashani of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

She has published seven anthologies of short stories and five novels. The anthologies are: Sukhara Muhanmuh (1981), NijaGahirareNije (1989), Amrutara Pratikshare (1992), Chowkath (1994), Tarali Jauthiba Durga (1995), Deshantari (1999), and Dukha Apramita (2006). The novels are: Upanibesh (1998), Pratibandi (1999), Swapna Khojali Mane (2000) Mahajatra (2001) and Gambhiri Ghara (2006).

Born in a small town of Dhenkanal in Orissa (India), Sarojini has MA and Ph.D degrees in Oriya Literature and a Bachelor of Law degree from Utkal University. She now teaches at a Degree college in Belpahar, Jharsuguda in Orissa. She is the second daughter of Mr. Ishwar Chandra Sahoo and Mrs.(Late) Nalini Devi. She is married to Mr. Jagadish Mohanty, a veteran writer of Orissa and has a son and a daughter.

This would be more noteworthy to mention here that - Delhi Doordarshan, the National Channel of India has featured her life and creations in its special tele-serial "Literary Postcard". In politics, recently all political parties have promised to reserve 33% of legislative seats for women in their manifesto, but this has not been passed into law as the male-dominated parties oppose the bill, she briefed in an interview. The women issues would be on priority in India, if such writers pitch their thought to public through their writings. Hats off to this "Woman of Substance"!

36 Greyhound Force Jawans feared dead in Balimela after Naxal Attack

Over 36 Greyhound jawans from Andhra Pradesh and Orissa Police were feared drowned in Balimela resorvoir in Malkangiri district, as Naxalites opened fire at their boat, which ultimately sunk deep in the water. The Naxalites had an advantage, as they were on a hill top and the jawans were travelling in water. The Naxalites could successfully capsize the boat by targeting its operator.

At least 24 jawans managed to swim ashore with bullet injuries. They were immediately rushed to Vishakhapatnam for further treatment. Search operations are going on to locate other jawans who went missing. The incident took place near Alampakka village when nearly 64 jawans of Greyhound Force were on their way to Chitrakonda to launch a joint operation against the Maoists.

Orissa Government bans Gutka, Alcohol in Secretariat

The Orissa government has issued a circular, banning Gutka and Alcohol inside the State Secretariat premises. The circular will be binding on all officials of the Secretariat including senior bureaucrats. According to the circular, nobody will be allowed to consume alcohol or leave bottles in the office or the premises. Anyone, who violates the order, could face disciplinary proceedings.

Naveen, Advani to address BJP-BJD Rally in Rourkela

The ruling BJD-BJP combine in Orissa will be holding a massive rally in Rourkela on June 29 to launch their election campaign. The joint rally will be addressed by BJP leader L K Advani and Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik. Advani will also address the state executive meeting. The BJP has already launched its election campaign at the national level by announcing candidates for six Lok Sabha seats.

Orissa Matric (HSC) Results declared, Bimal Prasad Panda from Berhampur is the Topper

The much-awaited Orissa Matric (HSC) results have been declared today. Booklets are available at the BSE office and in several schools across the state. The results will be available on Internet only after 1 PM. The total pass percentage was 51.51.

Bimal Pasad Panda from Saraswati Sishu Mandir, Berhampur became the topper with 761 marks. Omkar Mishra from Saraswati Sishu Mandir, Baramanuda finished second with 758 marks. The detailed results are available at the following website address.

For HSC Regular Results, visit -

http://www7.indiaresults.com/Orissa/BOSEO/10reg/rollquery.htm

For HSC Ex-Regular Results, visit -

http://www7.indiaresults.com/Orissa/BOSEO/10exreg/rollquery.htm

Orissa HSC (Matric) Results to be declared today, Find Website Link here

The long wait for the millions of students across the state will be finally over, as the Orissa HSC or Matric results will be declared after 1 PM today. The result will be available on Internet from 1 PM. Both Regular and Ex-Regular students will be able to view their results by entering their respective roll numbers.

The Matric results will also be available through SMS. Regular students can type HSCR 'Roll No' and send it to 56505. Similary, Ex-regular students can type HSCX 'Roll No' on their mobile and send it to 56505. Please note that this SMS facility is available only for the BSNL mobile users. The detailed results are available at the following website address.

For HSC Regular Results, visit -

http://www7.indiaresults.com/Orissa/BOSEO/10reg/rollquery.htm

For HSC Ex-Regular Results, visit -

http://www7.indiaresults.com/Orissa/BOSEO/10exreg/rollquery.htm

Fuel Price Hike impact: Bus Fares go up in Orissa

Bowing to the demand from the bus owners of the state, the state transport department has decided to hike the bus fares. The hike became imminent after the recent fuel price hike. There will be a hike of 4 paisa per km for the ordinary and express buses. The deluxe bus fare will go up by 5 paisa per km, while the AC bus fares has been hiked by 7 paisa per km.

Orissa HC declares Malkangiri MLA's election as void

In a historic judgement, the Orissa High Court declared the election of Malkangiri MLA Nimai Sarkar as void. The court directed to the State Election Commission to take adequate steps as per the law. In the 2004 assembly elections, Nimai Sarkar (Congress) had defeated BJP's Aravind Dhali by a mere 253 votes. Dhali had challenged the election of Nimai Sarkar citing discrepancies and irregularities both voting and counting process.

Orissa Tribal arrested for keeping a Sloth Bear, gets Bail

Ram Singh Munda from Keonjhar, who was recently arrested for keeping a sloth bear as his pet for 18 months, was granted bail by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate of Keonjhar. Munda reportedly cared the orphan bear (Rani) as his child and fed the animal for more than 18 months. Munda got her from the forest when the bear was only 2 months old. According to locals, the forest authorities were aware of this, but they took action after the media highlighted the issue.

Unfortunately, Munda was treated like a criminal and was lodged in Keonjhar jail for allegedly violating various provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Some vested wildlife activists and forest officials spread false information that Munda first killed Rani's mother and kept the child as captive. They also alleged that Munda tried to bribe the forest officials. Interestingly, Munda is from such a poor background that he can't even afford to think about bribing someone.

After the intervention of local and national media (particularly, CNN-IBN), the district administration swung into action. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik assured to help Munda's five-year-old daughter who lived alone at her home in her father's absence. Munda's wife expired a few years ago. Later, Ram Singh Munda was released on bail. The bear has been shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park near Bhubaneswar. But it is said that she is missing Munda and his family very much and does not feel comfortable in the zoo.

J B Patnaik appointed Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit University, Tirupati

Former Orissa Chief Minister, veteran Congress leader, Eminent Writer and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Janaki Ballabh Patnaik has been appointed as the new Chancellor of the Rashtriya Sanskrit University, Tirupati. He was appointed by the Union HRD Ministry's Department of Higher Education.

Mr. J B Patnaik has been appointed as the Chancellor for a period of five years with effect from June 16 or from the date he assumes charge. It could be noted that Mr. Patnaik is the founder of the Sri Jagannath Sanskrit University, which is the third Sanskrit university in India. He has also written a number of books in Sanskrit and Oriya. Mr. J B Patnaik has won both Orissa Sahitya Akademi and Kendra Sahitya Akademi awards.

Flood Situation grim in Orissa, State Govt, steps up Relief Operations

Even as the rain stopped completely, flood situation still remained grim in the coastal districts in Orissa, particularly in Balasore, Mayurbhanj and Bhadrak. Millions of people have been stranded, as the villages were cut off from the rest of the state. The state government has stepped up relief operations using Indian Air Force helicopters

The water level have receded in major rivers such as Jalaka, Subarnarekha, Budhabalang and Baitarani. However, thousands of people still wait for food packets and other help. According to the government estimate, at least ten lakh people in 900 villages are affected by the flood. The worst affected areas are Bhograi, Basta, Baliapal and Jaleswar in Balasore district.

Orissa Govt. to bear Kalpana Das' Medical Expenses, announces Rs. 5 lakh Cash Reward

The Orissa government finally swung into action after the NCP came forward to bear the medical expenses of Mt. Everest winner Kalpana Das, who has been seriously ill and was getting below par treatment at the SCB Medical College, Cuttack. The Orissa government yesterday made necessary arrangements to shift Kalpana Das to Kalinga Hospital, Bhubaneswar and announced that it would bear her all medical expenses.

The state government has also announced a cash reward of Rs. 5 lakh for Kalpana, which will be given to her in a grand felicitation ceremony when she recovers completely from her illness. If necessary, Kalpana will be shifted to AIIMS in New Delhi. Kalpana Das, who became the first mountaineer from the state to scale Mt. Everest, fell ill on her way back to base camp and developed joint pain, itching, respiratory problems and pre-paralytic symptoms.

Orissa Diploma Entrance Results: DET 2008

Here's the quick link for the DET 2008 results:

Click HERE