Odisha News 22 October 2025

Top Headlines:

1. The scrutiny of nomination papers for the Nuapada Assembly by-election has concluded – 14 candidates’ nominations are confirmed.
2. A preparatory meeting was held by the Agriculture Department regarding possible rain and its management in the state. A helpline number has been issued for farmers.
3. Govardhan Puja is being celebrated with enthusiasm across the entire country.
4. Due to the influence of the low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal, rainfall will continue in various parts of the state until Sunday.

Nuapada By-Election Update

Nuapada Correspondent: The scrutiny of nomination papers for the Nuapada Assembly by-election concluded today. The District Returning Officer confirmed that 14 candidates’ papers were accepted, while 5 were rejected.

The accepted nominations include BJP candidate Jay Dholkia, Congress’s Ghasiram Majhi, BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria, and Odisha Janat Party’s Sukadhar Dandsena. The papers of 3 independent candidates and nominees from Bahujan Samaj Party and Rashtriya Parivartan Dal were rejected.

The last date for the withdrawal of nomination papers is Friday. Polling is scheduled for November 11, with results to be announced on November 14.

A total of 2,48,256 voters will participate. Voting will be held at 358 polling stations. For any complaints, the General Observer contact number is 9078-752-452.

Agriculture and Weather Forecast

A preparatory meeting on rain management was held under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary Arvind Padhee. The Meteorological Department stated there is no immediate cyclone warning, but possible rain with lightning and thunder is expected in coastal areas due to the return of the southwest monsoon. Farmers are advised to follow the advice of the Meteorological Department and can contact the helpline: 155-333.

‘Dharti Mata Bachao’ Campaign for Organic Fertilizer

Cuttack: The State Government has launched the ‘Dharti Mata Bachao’ (Save Mother Earth) campaign to tackle the fertilizer crisis and promote organic farming. A three-tier committee is mandated at the district level to oversee the use of organic fertilizer, with a focus on identifying 100 Gram Panchayats with the highest chemical fertilizer usage. The committee will also monitor fertilizer smuggling and black marketing.

Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 127th ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program will be broadcast on Sunday, October 26, at 11 am. The public can submit their opinions via the NaMo App, MyGov portal, or by dialing 1800-11-7800. A missed call to 1922 allows for SMS feedback until the coming Friday. The broadcast will be available on Akashvani, Doordarshan, and various online channels.

Govardhan Puja Celebrations

Govardhan Puja is being celebrated across the country today. The festival commemorates Lord Shri Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect the residents of Gopapur. Governor Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended their greetings, wishing for happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Girigovardhan Puja, in the ancient tradition, was performed in various parts of the Boudh district, featuring the moving idol of Shri Radhakrishna atop a symbolic hill of paddy.

Education and Public Welfare

Plus Two Admissions (3rd Phase)

A total of 10,576 applicants have been selected in the 3rd phase of Plus Two admissions for this academic year. The highest selections were made in Arts (6,594), followed by Science (2,439), Sanskrit (946), Commerce (416), and Vocational Education (191).

Nationwide CPR Training

The Union Health Ministry has provided CPR training to over 6.06 lakh participants nationwide. This was part of a CPR Awareness Week held from October 13 to 17, with over 79,000 citizens taking a digital oath on the MyGov platform to promote awareness.

Bhim Bhoi Disability Camp

The Bhim Bhoi Disability Camp at the Boudh Block office saw 414 registered patients examined and provided with disability certificates. District Collector Bibhuti Bhushan Naik inaugurated the event.

National and Global Highlights

India Ranks 9th in Global Forest Area

India has reached the 9th global position in total forest area, as highlighted in the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 report by the FAO. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav credited this success to the central government’s afforestation and forest protection policies, also referencing the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

Factory Safety Workshop

A state-level training workshop on ‘Safety and Quality in High-Pressure Welding’ was held today for factory officials, organized by the State Labour Foundation. The focus was on safe operations in power plants, with Additional Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stressing the prioritization of safety in factories.

Detailed Weather Update

RNY / Sambalpur: The low-pressure area over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a depression today, moving towards Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Light to moderate rainfall is predicted for Odisha until Sunday. Furthermore, the Regional Meteorological Centre warns of two more potential low-pressure areas forming on October 26 and 29. A warning for rain with lightning and thunder has been issued for 13 districts within the next 24 hours.