ISRO Launches BlueBird
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today successfully launched a next-generation US communication satellite BlueBird Block-2 onboard its heaviest vehicle LVM3-M6 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.


Dhanu Yatra Begins
World-famous DhanuYatra, an 11-day epic open-air theatre festival depicting the Krishna-Kansa myth, began at Bargarh in Odisha. The annual cultural spectacle brings mythology, tradition and performance together in a unique celebration as the town of Bargarh turns into Mathura, Ambapalli as Gopapur, and the Jira River as Yamuna, blending devotion with cultural vibrancy.


Prez, PM Greet on Dhanu Yatra
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradha and other leaders extended their heartfelt greetings to the countrymen, especially the residents of Odisha, on the occasion of the Baragarh Dhanu Yatra.


Odisha's First Women Chief Secy
Anu Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Odisha, succeeding Manoj Ahuja. She becomes the first woman to hold the state’s top bureaucratic post. Garg has previously served in several key positions, including Development Commissioner, and Principal Secretary in Water Resources and Health departments.

GRAM G Allocation Raised
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the Centre’s allocation under the Viksit Bharat: GRAM G scheme has increased to nearly Rs 95,000 crore, surpassing the Rs 86,000 crore provided earlier under MGNREGA.

India’s GDP Growth
Goldman Sachs projects India’s real GDP growth at 6.7% in 2026 and 6.8% in 2027, surpassing consensus forecasts. The outlook strengthens India’s standing as one of the fastest-growing major economies globally, highlighting its robust economic momentum in coming years.


PUC Deadline Extended
Odisha has extended the deadline for enforcing the “no fuel without valid documents” rule to February 1, 2026. Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena urged motorists to complete RC, fitness, insurance, and PUC certificates, warning fuel supply will stop for vehicles lacking valid PUC thereafter.

491 Anganwadi Centres Inaugurated
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated 491 new Anganwadi centres, adding to the 913 centres launched earlier in the first phase. She announced that the government aims to complete construction of 10,400 more centres, strengthening childcare and nutrition facilities across the state.

Minister’s Strong Warning on Kotia
Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari asserted that Kotia is integral to the state, warning Andhra officials against provoking residents. He emphasized Odisha is the “mother” of Kotia, while Andhra is merely an “aunt,” urging Andhra not to assume a mother’s role.

Swastik’s Historic Knock
Swastik Samal scripted history with a brilliant 212 off 169 balls for Odisha against Saurashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at Alur. His knock made him the first Odisha batter in List A cricket to achieve a double century.

Deepti Tops ICC Rankings
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma has reached the top of ICC Women’s T20I Bowling rankings for the first time. Her economical spell of one wicket for 20 runs against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam lifted her to 737 points, edging past Australia’s Annabel Sutherland.