Articles by Sudeshna Panda

Technology

Modern security measures to be enforced in Puri Srimandir, see details inside

Puri: The Puri Srimandir will be under the most modern security scanner. Special security arrangements will be taken inside and outside the temple, said reports on Tuesday. According to reports, the security sub-committee meeting concluded at the Puri Niladri Bhakta Niwas has decided to provide security to the temple. A large number of security personnel will be deployed for security. Special discussions have been held on the no-fly zone. Surveillance security shall be increased, use of phones inside the temple has also been discussed. Security sub-committee head Girish Chandra Murmu said that there will be a walkie-talkie system inside the temple in the future. Similarly, the meeting also focused on fire safety and electrical safety. The meeting was chaired by former CAG and temple management committee member Girish Murmu, was attended by eight other members of the various sub-committees. Recently on October 11, in a historic step to enhance the safety and security of the Puri Jagannath Temple, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had declared the 12th century shrine as ‘RED ZONE.’ As per the information available on the website of the DGCA, the airspace map shows the Jagannath Temple in Puri classified in the ‘RED ZONE’ and it will remain valid for three years i.e until September 25, 2028. The DGCA’s move to declare the Jagannath Temple ‘RED ZONE’ comes amid several reports of illegal drones hovering around the temple despite ban. Also Read: DGCA declares Puri Jagannath Temple ‘RED ZONE,’ drone seized

Technology

Supply of rice to be stopped if E-KYC process for ration card not done: Minister

Bhubaneswar: Rice supply will be stopped from next month if e-KYC is not done. Even now, as many as 15 lakh 67 thousand beneficiaries in the state of Odisha have not done KYC. Those who do not do E-KYC will not be given rice. Now the Central Government has stopped the e-KYC process, said Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister Krishna Chandra Patra. He also said that as of now, 15 lakh 67 thousand beneficiaries in the state of Odisha have not done KYC. Now there is no more time. Rice is still being sent to those who have not done KYC. It will be stopped soon. Reports further said that, rice will not be sent to those who do not comply with the e-KYC process. So if the central government extends the time in the coming days, then so will the State government. If any of the beneficiaries is left behind, they will have to give it in writing. Then only the government will consider their request. Also Read: PM Kisan e-KYC registration deadline in Odisha extended by six months

Technology

Mruttika exhibition in Bhubaneswar turns major crowd puller, people flock to buy idols made of ceramic and clay

Bhubaneswar: The Mruttika exhibition in Bhubaneswar has turned into a major puller. People are flocking the mela to buy idols made of ceramic and clay. There is a beautiful and expansive display of terracotta items at the IDCOL exhibition ground in Unit 4 area of the Capital city of Bhubaneswar. Household items, furniture and other items are also being displayed. The annual terracotta exhibition ‘Mruthika’ began yesterday and will continue till October 19. This time, 210 stalls have been opened. About 350 terracotta and pottery artisans from all the districts of Odisha have participated in the exhibition. This time, it is estimated that there will be a business of more than Rs 3 crore. The main attraction is the various forms of Ganesha made of ceramic and clay. There is a huge crowd of people to see the different forms of Lord Ganesha and the various earthen lamps. The Official X handle of Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Government Of Odisha posted on the officail handle in this regard. The X post read as follows, “The Annual ‘Mruttika-2025’ Terracotta Exhibition was inaugurated today at IDCO Exhibition Ground, Bhubaneswar, bringing together over 350 artisans across 210 stalls from 13–19 October 2025, 11 AM – 9 PM.” The handle further wrote, “Hon’ble Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta highlighted the exhibition’s cultural significance, while Commissioner -cum-Secretary Mrs. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar emphasized empowering artisans and promoting Odisha’s rich handicrafts heritage.” “With free stalls, allowances, cultural programs, and Srujanika initiatives, Odisha continues to nurture its ancient terracotta craft for generations to come,” the Department further wrote. The Annual ‘Mruttika-2025’ Terracotta Exhibition was inaugurated today at IDCO Exhibition Ground, Bhubaneswar, bringing together over 350 artisans across 210 stalls from 13–19 October 2025 | 11 AM – 9 PM.Hon’ble Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta highlighted the exhibition’s cultural… pic.twitter.com/X1umzaOrFN— Handlooms,Textiles & Handicrafts Department,Odisha (@HTH_Odisha) October 13, 2025 Also Read: Sisir Saras begins in Bhubaneswar, details here