Odisha News Today

Washington, Aug 13: President Donald Trump asserted that Washington has established “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, vowing Washington will maintain its grip on the vital waterway. “The USA has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, describing the naval blockade in sweeping terms. He asserted that Iran was powerless to challenge it: “Our Naval Blockade is being called, by everyone, ‘A WALL OF STEEL,’ and there is nothing Iran can do about it.” The President did not provide operational details or specify how long the blockade would remain in place. Nor did he outline conditions under which the operation might end. Instead, he used the post to portray Iran’s military and political establishment as severely weakened. Also read: US President Donald Trump Says He’d ‘Love to Run’ in 2028, But Admits Law Blocks Third Term “They have no Navy, they have no Air Force, their remaining soldiers are unpaid, the IRGC is decimated and fleeing, and their ‘Leadership’ is uncertain, at best!” Trump claimed. He offered no evidence to support these assertions and did not identify which Iranian leaders he considered unstable. Trump further alleged that Iran was in the grip of a deep economic crisis. “They have No Money - Their country is ‘shot.’ All they have is FAKE NEWS and 300% INFLATION, and getting worse!” he wrote. The post marked a sharp escalation in Trump’s rhetoric against Tehran, insisting the country had lost its regional influence. “Iran is all talk and no action, the Bully of the Middle East No Longer,” he declared. Trump ended his message with a striking flourish: “Praise be to Allah! President DONALD J. TRUMP.” No immediate response from Iran was included in the material, and the post contained no information about casualties, naval encounters, or disruptions to commercial shipping through the Strait. (IANS)

Bhubaneswar, Aug 12: The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Wednesday approved 10 proposals across six departments, focusing on semiconductor policy, renewable energy, irrigation projects, e-governance, and welfare schemes for women and children, officials said. Boost to Semiconductor Ecosystem The Cabinet amended the state’s semiconductor policy to include equipment, chemicals, R&D, talent development, and global supply chains. Officials said this would accelerate the creation of a robust semiconductor ecosystem in Odisha. Green Energy Push  The renewable energy policy was revised to promote Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), wind parks, small hydro projects, and captive renewable energy initiatives. Amendments to the Pumped Storage Project policy aim to enhance energy conservation capacity in the state. E-Governance Strengthened  Approval was granted for OSWAS 3.0 (Odisha Secretariat Workflow Automation System), which will streamline digital file management, online approvals, and faster service delivery in government offices. Mega Irrigation Projects Two major water resource projects received clearance. The Parbatigiri Mega Lift Irrigation Project (Phase-3) will cover 161 new schemes at a cost of Rs12,458 crore, creating irrigation facilities for 2.62 lakh hectares and benefiting nearly 7 lakh farmers. Under the Improvement to Tanks & MIPs scheme, 680 projects worth Rs389 crore will restore irrigation capacity for 15,700 hectares and increase water storage by 48.5 MCM.Also Read: Odisha Matric Supplementary Results 2026 Announced; Pass Percentage Stands at 63.64% Welfare Schemes Extended The Cabinet extended the ‘Yashoda-Aashirbad’ scheme for five years, allocating Rs296.99 crore for orphans, destitute children, and those who lost parents to COVID-19. The Malati Devi Praridhan scheme was also approved, providing uniforms, shoes, socks, and bags to 14.76 lakh pre-school children aged 3–6 years, with an outlay of Rs586.50 crore.