Between January 2024 and now, Odisha recorded 11,337 cases of missing children. Out of these, authorities traced 8,362 minors through coordinated action involving police teams, Child Welfare Committees, and community support networks. The Deputy Chief Minister said the government aims to strengthen these efforts to ensure the safe return of every child.

District-wise data shows troubling variations. Khordha reported the highest number of missing children with 785 cases, and 576 children have been traced so far. Balasore reported 683 cases but recovered only 114 children, raising concerns about its low recovery rate.

Gajapati, meanwhile, registered 659 cases but traced 715 children, including minors missing from previous years. Officials say this improvement reflects better coordination between agencies.

The Assembly session also discussed the ongoing winter proceedings and the recently presented ₹17,440-crore Supplementary Budget for 2025–26.

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Odisha currently runs 670 buses, including 220 electric buses, across 113 routes covering 1,399 km. The minister explained that the new electric buses will operate in cities with higher passenger demand. This move will help strengthen public transport and make daily travel smoother for thousands of commuters.

The state has seen a major rise in online ticket usage, and revenue has increased by 35%. According to the minister, digital convenience encourages more people to choose public transport, making the system more efficient.

Mahapatra added that the government will continue to track commuter demand and add more buses when needed. The expansion is expected to make city travel cleaner, faster, and cost-effective.

Officials will soon publish detailed routes and schedules for the new cities. Commuters can expect the electric buses to start running in the next few weeks.

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The system began near the Malacca Strait. It later shifted toward the South Andaman Sea, where warm ocean water and supportive winds boosted its strength. Meteorologists expect it to become a depression soon. They also believe it may continue to intensify during the next 48 hours.

Global weather models suggest a west-northwest track over open seas. Weather researcher Sandeep Patnaik explained that strong wind inflow from the Pacific and wide warm sea surfaces may speed up its growth between November 26 and 30. That period could decide whether the system develops into a cyclone.

Public worry is slowly rising. Still, IMD officials have not issued landfall predictions or major warnings. Odisha remains outside the possible danger zone. Even so, many local authorities and residents continue to follow daily updates.

Experts advise people to stay alert and rely on official forecasts. Clearer guidance will come once the system strengthens further.

The post Cyclone Concern Grows as Low-Pressure System Strengthens in Bay of Bengal appeared first on India Podcast.

Speaking to reporters, Harichandan noted that the government will examine the required legal steps and remove pending procedural hurdles. He stressed that the silver should move to the Ratna Bhandar, the temple’s sacred treasury, so that proper documentation, safety and accountability stay intact.

His remarks followed SJTA’s renewed request for complete custody of the 522 recovered silver ingots, valued at nearly ₹90 crore. The administration argued that historical, religious and judicial precedents consistently recognise mutt properties as those of the Lord.

The ingots resurfaced during a 2011 police investigation, and the matter has since invited legal scrutiny, emotional reactions and community concern. Many devotees believe the silver must return to the shrine, reinforcing its cultural and spiritual significance.

With legal discussions gaining momentum, the state government, temple administration and judiciary now play crucial roles in determining the final outcome.

The post Lord Jagannath Owns Emar Silver Debate Intensifies appeared first on India Podcast.

During a review visit to Kandhamal and Boudh, Odisha DGP YB Khurania assessed ground readiness and ongoing operations. He noted that around 80–85 Maoists remain active in the state, and only a few belong to Odisha. The rest reportedly operate from neighbouring states. He stressed that the Centre has already directed all affected states to ensure the complete eradication of Maoism nationwide.

Khurania chaired a high-level meeting at Kandhamal district police headquarters. Senior police, SOG units, CRPF and BSF officers discussed security planning, Maoist movement patterns, and steps to curb ganja cultivation linked to extremist networks. He also highlighted the importance of community cooperation, improved intelligence and coordinated field action.

The DGP urged active Maoists to surrender and return to mainstream life. Odisha currently offers a strong rehabilitation policy that supports education, livelihood, housing and social reintegration. He said the state government remains committed to peace, safety and long-term development in tribal and remote regions.

As preparation continues, the police expect Kandhamal to play a decisive role in achieving the March 2026 deadline.

The post Odisha Battle Against Maoists Set for Final Push appeared first on India Podcast.

Scindia added that India’s 4G network will be cloud-based, future-ready, and easily upgradeable to 5G. He said nearly 98,000 sites will go live on the same day, with simultaneous launches across multiple states. The inauguration will take place from Jharsuguda, Odisha.

The Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal highlighted that India is the world’s largest telecom market, with 5G users expected to rise from 300–400 million to 770 million by 2028. He credited PM Modi’s policies for supporting the development of the indigenous 4G stack.

BSNL’s UP East Chief General Manager Arun Kumar Garg said the 4G launch is a matter of national pride. The technology was developed entirely in India by C-DOT, Tejas Networks, and TCS. Scindia also revealed that the Prime Minister will unveil a 100 per cent 4G network under the Digital India Fund, connecting around 29,000–30,000 villages.

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The President is scheduled to visit Shri Thakur Banke Bihari Temple, Nidhivan, and Shri Nabha Krishna Sudama Kuti on Parikrama Marg. Her visit coincides with the centenary celebrations of the Ashram.

Preparations have been made by the district administration and Municipal Corporation, including lighting silver lamps and special prayers. Security arrangements have been overseen by senior officials, and traffic diversions will be enforced from 7 a.m. on September 25.

Earlier, President Murmu visited Gaya for the sacred ‘pind daan’ and ‘shraaddh’ rituals at Vishnupad Temple during Pitru Paksha Mela. This marked the first time a sitting Indian President performed these rituals for ancestral salvation.

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