Orissa will see congregation of at least 15,000 scientists, including 20 Nobel laureates, from across the world, taking part in the 99th session of the Indian Science Congress in January 2012.

At least five people, including two locomotive pilots, were feared killed after two goods trains collided head-on in Orissa’s Keonjhar district on early Wednesday.

Faced with a number of mining scams that has apparently dented its image to certain extent, the Orissa government has launched an operation to detect “frauds” and “irregularities” in mining lease deals.

Major investment proposals, mainly in the mineral based steel and aluminium industry sector, are not progressing with usual pace and speed in Orissa due to persistent protests by the local people.

Like most good social workers, Ms Chamundi had big dreams since her childhood to serve people. She imagined good life for each and every individual.

The Mahanadi, one of the longest rivers flowing through Orissa, has once again occupied the centrestage in Orissa politics.

A first information report (FIR) was on Friday lodged with capital police station here alleging that Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik and three of his party’s top leader had indulged in horse-trading in the 2010 Rajya Sabha polls.

A severe drought looms large over many parts of Orissa due to inadequate rainfall this season. Most of the districts have received half the normal rainfall. According to revenue department sources, Nuapada district in western Orissa has received 56 per cent rainfall while Boudh and Malkangiri recorded 63 and 61 per cent,

Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said the Prime Minister should not be brought under the purview of the Lokpal since it would get him constantly engaged with the statutory authority, denying him the opportunity to sincerely discharge his responsibilities.

The post-Malkangiri collector hostage crisis period has seen a sudden spurt in violence in the Maoist-hit districts of Orissa. At least 22 persons, including nine tribals and nine security personnel, have been killed by the rebels while 45 civilians have allegedly died in anti-Naxal operations.