ODISHA CURRENT AFFAIRS: 16–23 AUGUST 2025

 

August 16, 2025

 

New Flight Connection Launched

Star Air began operating direct flights between Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda. This enhanced regional connectivity supports both business and leisure travelers, offering affordable fares to the bustling industrial city of Jharsuguda.

 

August 18–19, 2025

 

Heavy Rainfall Warnings Issued

A Bay of Bengal depression brought widespread rain, prompting warnings for 13 districts including Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Koraput, and coastal zones like Cuttack and Puri. Fishermen were advised to avoid the sea due to strong winds and squalls.

 

August 18, 2025

 

Arrest in Sambalpur Murder Case

Four individuals were detained by Sambalpur police in connection with the murder of a 25-year-old, whose body was discovered in the Burla power channel last week.

 

August 20, 2025

 

Agni-5 Missile Test from Odisha

India successfully test-fired its Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, marking a significant milestone in the country’s strategic defense capabilities.

 

August 22, 2025

 

Request for ₹9,500 Cr Disaster Preparedness Fund

Odisha's government approached the Centre seeking ₹9,500 crore to bolster disaster resilience. The funds aim to:

 

Build 800 multi-purpose cyclone and flood shelters, mainly on school grounds.

 

Implement underground power cabling across vulnerable coastal zones to maintain electricity during emergencies.

 

Aid in sea erosion control and land settlements in coordination with the Survey of India.

 

August 23, 2025

 

Elephant Survival Centre Announced

The state will establish the world’s first Asiatic Elephant Survival Centre at Godibari near Chandaka Wildlife Division, partnering with the IUCN, Wildlife Trust of India, and Columbus Zoo. The facility will address human-elephant conflict and promote regional conservation practices.

 

Ongoing: Maoist Eradication Efforts

 

Bargarh Declared Maoist-Free

Odisha intensified its anti-Naxal operations, successfully declaring Bargarh district free of Maoist influence. Focus now shifts to remaining affected regions, as part of India's broader target to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026.