Category: ODISHA

A MEMU train traveling from Jharsuguda to Sambalpur has derailed near Sarla, Odisha. It is believed that a buffalo was struck by the train. One of the coaches of the train has been derailed, although there is currently no information available regarding the extent of the damage caused by the accident.

The MEMU passenger train departed Jharsuguda as per its scheduled time and was carrying a full complement of passengers. Unfortunately, an incident occurred when a buffalo was crossing the tracks near Sarla, resulting in a collision with the MEMU train. This collision led to the derailment of one of the coaches. Thankfully, all passengers in that particular coach are reported to be safe.

Currently, a rescue operation is underway, with efforts focused on isolating the affected coach. Subsequently, the train will continue its journey to Sambalpur. Unfortunately, the buffalo lost its life in this tragic accident.

The Odisha state administration under the leadership of Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, has embarked on a significant journey to establish the region as a prime nucleus for both semiconductor design and manufacturing. With an unwavering commitment to this vision, the government has formulated a strategic roadmap termed the “Odisha Semiconductor Manufacturing & Fabless Policy.” This meticulously crafted policy delineates a holistic framework aimed at propelling the growth of the semiconductor sector within the state.

At the core of this policy lies the paramount objective of alluring substantial investments into the semiconductor realm. By offering a spectrum of incentives, fostering infrastructure development, and cultivating an environment conducive to business, the administration aspires to entice both domestic and international investors to initiate semiconductor-centric enterprises in Odisha. These strategic investments hold the potential not only to infuse capital into the local economy but also to invigorate job generation and skill augmentation in the sphere of semiconductor technology.

An integral facet of this ambitious venture is the augmentation of the entire semiconductor ecosystem within Odisha. This multifaceted endeavor entails fortifying every phase of semiconductor progression, encompassing preliminary design and research to eventual manufacturing and production. By fortifying the entire supply chain, encompassing design, fabrication, testing, and packaging, the government envisions forging a self-sustaining ecosystem capable of catering comprehensively to the entire lifecycle of semiconductor products.

By positioning Odisha as an epicenter for semiconductor manufacturing and design, the state aspires to harness the burgeoning global demand for cutting-edge electronic devices. Semiconductors stand as pivotal constituents within nearly all contemporary electronic gadgets, spanning from smartphones and laptops to advanced medical contrivances and automotive systems. By nurturing a resilient semiconductor industry, Odisha aims to make a substantial contribution to the nation’s technological advancement, concurrently propelling its economic prosperity.

To encapsulate, the Semiconductor Manufacturing & Fabless Policy of the Odisha government, spearheaded by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, is steered towards metamorphosing the state into a preeminent hub for semiconductor design and manufacturing. Through tactful strategic initiatives, incentives, and robust infrastructure development, the policy endeavors to beckon investments, cultivate an all-encompassing semiconductor ecosystem, and ultimately catapult Odisha into a distinguished position within the global semiconductor panorama.

In a significant development, Shri Subroto Bagchi has been appointed by Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik as the Chief Advisor for Institutional Capacity Building across all Civil Services Training Institutions in Odisha. This appointment comes with the prestigious rank and status of a Cabinet Minister, underscoring Bagchi’s influential role in shaping the state’s administrative landscape.

Who is Subroto Bagchi?

Bagchi’s birthplace is Patnagarh, Odisha, to parents Makhan Gopal Bagchi and Labonya Prova Bagchi. His father held a position as a junior government servant. He pursued his education in Political Science at Utkal University. In 1974, Bagchi underwent training with the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army, accomplishing all five mandatory jumps to earn the esteemed “Para Wings.” Notably, in 1975, he secured the distinguished title of Best NCC Cadet of India during the Republic Day Parade in Delhi, an achievement that led to him being honored with the Prime Minister’s Cane.

The conferment of Cabinet Minister status upon Subroto Bagchi is a testimony to his outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s decision speaks volumes about Bagchi’s impactful presence, both in the corporate and social sectors.

A Visionary Leader

Bagchi’s journey is one of inspiration and innovation. Bagchi’s influence has transcended boundaries from co-founding the globally recognized IT consulting firm, MindTree, to his thought-provoking literary contributions. His elevation to Cabinet Minister status further solidifies his position as a leader who consistently pushes the boundaries of excellence.

A Catalyst for Change

Throughout his career, Subroto Bagchi has been a catalyst for change. His advocacy for social transformation in Odisha, along with his pioneering work in the corporate world, showcases his multifaceted approach to leadership. The Cabinet Minister’s status reflects his potential to effect positive change on a broader scale.

A Leader Beyond Boundaries

Bagchi’s contributions extend far beyond the realms of his corporate achievements. His dedication to shaping a better society, coupled with his belief in the power of mindful leadership, makes him a distinctive figure in the landscape of Indian leadership. The Cabinet Minister status acknowledges his commitment to driving both economic growth and social progress.

Vision for the Future

As a newly appointed Cabinet Minister, Subroto Bagchi is poised to leverage his expertise and insights to foster growth, innovation, and transformation. His ability to think beyond conventional boundaries will likely play a pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives that steer Odisha towards a brighter future.

The elevation of Subroto Bagchi to the stature of a Cabinet Minister by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is a testament to Bagchi’s exceptional accomplishments and his potential to bring about positive change. With this new role, Bagchi’s vision and leadership are expected to leave an indelible mark on the state’s governance and development initiatives.

IMD Department informed that another Low Pressure formed over the Northeast Bay of Bengal. It is likely well marked Low-Pressure area during the next 24 hours.

A low-pressure area, also known as a cyclonic circulation or a depression, is a region in the atmosphere where the air pressure is lower than the surrounding areas. It is characterized by rotating winds that spiral toward the center of the system. These low-pressure systems often bring unsettled weather conditions, including cloudiness, rainfall, and sometimes strong winds.

Bhubaneswar: Trickle Up, an international non-profit organization, successfully implemented the Ultra Poor Market Access (UPMA) project in Balangir, Odisha, with the support of the Walmart Foundation. The initiative aimed to include ultra-poor women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to empower them and promote sustainable livelihoods. However, providing access to markets and resources posed a significant challenge for the marginalized households to increase their income and improve their living standards.

To share the proven models and best practices related to the inclusion of ultra-poor women in SHGs and FPOs, Trickle Up organized a workshop in Bhubaneswar on May 4, 2023, with the theme of “Inclusion of Ultra Poor Women in SHGs and FPOs – Challenges and Success Stories.” The workshop aimed to bring together stakeholders from various organizations, including government agencies, NGOs, academics, and practitioners, to network, learn, and share ideas.

Pritiranjan Gharai, Hon’ble Minister of State (Ind.Charge), Rural Development, Govt of Odisha, addressed the gathering and appreciated Trickle Up’s efforts in organizing the workshop. The minister sought valuable insights and suggestions from thought leaders in the development sector to foster collaboration, networking, and innovation for a better quality of life for all. He acknowledged the government’s initiatives towards development in Nagada, such as infrastructure development, rural housing projects, and enrollment in government schemes.

Sushant Verma, Asia Regional Director, Trickle Up, emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach that addresses the multi-dimensional needs of ultra-poor women for successful inclusion in SHGs and FPOs. He also mentioned that there are many successful models and best practices available, which can be tailored to the specific context and needs of the ultra-poor women being targeted. Replicating such success stories requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities.

The UPMA project has laid the foundation for providing participating women with necessary skills and resources to become market-ready and achieve higher and sustained returns from their livelihoods. This approach can help build resilience to the frequent economic shocks experienced by the ultra-poor households.

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department’s regional office situated in Bhubaneswar has issued an orange warning for heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lighting in as many as 10 districts of Odisha today.

The districts that will be heavily affected by rain and thunderstorms are Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundergarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Balangir, Nuapada, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur. However, it is likely that only one or two places in Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, and Sundergarh districts will receive the brunt of the heavy rain today. The weather office has also predicted that these places may even experience hailstorms, adding to the already tumultuous weather conditions.

To add to the already chaotic situation, some areas in Odisha have already received widespread rain and have experienced thunder and lightning as a result of Kalbaisakhi, a localized name for a weather phenomenon that is commonly known as Nor’wester. This weather condition is expected to prevail for the next four days, and the amount of rain may increase on Sunday. Thundershowers and rain are expected in most parts of coastal, interior, and western Odisha today.

The MeT has also issued a yellow warning for 13 districts, which means that lightning and rain are expected in these areas. These districts are likely to experience gusty winds with a speed of 40-50 kmph, adding to the chaos and turbulence.

The root cause of this severe weather condition can be attributed to the low-pressure line that extends from southern Chhattisgarh to the Arabian Sea and a high-pressure line that is currently active over Odisha and the coastal areas. This has resulted in a substantial amount of water vapor entering the state. However, there will be no significant change in temperature for the next four days, according to the MeT’s forecast.