Author: Kalyan Ray
In a recent board meeting, the Prime Minister of India emphasized the importance of identifying and removing obstacles in the research ecosystem of the country. He highlighted the need for upgrading and standardizing institutions, as well as creating a dashboard to track research and development activities. Established last year with support from the private sector, the research foundation will have a corpus of Rs 50,000 crore over five years, with Rs 14,000 crore coming from the government. Plans for an “ease of doing research” mechanism aim to simplify procedures and increase funding flexibility. Despite decades of challenges in research funding,…
A committee, led by Sanjay Kumar, is currently in talks with the Ghat states – Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala – to address concerns regarding the declaration of the Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive area (ESA). The recent landslides in Wayanad have highlighted the urgent need for conservation measures, following objections from states like Kerala. Despite previous objections, states are now reconsidering conservation efforts after the tragic landslides claimed over 200 lives. The expert panel’s proposed protection schemes were initially rejected by the states due to concerns about development restrictions in the hilly regions along the…
A new milestone has been reached in India’s nuclear energy sector with the fuel loading commencing at the 700 MW seventh unit of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project. This marks a significant step towards the operationalization of the third big indigenous nuclear reactor, as announced by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) on Friday. With advanced safety features, the indigenous reactors at the Rawatbhata site are among the safest in the world. The ongoing construction of the reactors, however, faced challenges leading to cost and time overruns. Once operational, the two 700 MWe units at Rawatbhatta will make…
Interview with JP: Unveiling the Political Scenario in Odisha In a recent interview, JP shed light on the political landscape in Odisha, debunking rumors of a BJD-BJP alliance and highlighting the decline of Congress in the state. According to JP, there are no friendly ties between BJP and BJD, as BJD resorted to desperate measures to retain its waning popularity. JP discussed the influence of Naveen Patnaik aide VK Pandian in the government and party, leading to discontent among the people. He emphasized the lack of control of Odia leaders in the state affairs, resulting in growing anti-incumbency. Reflecting on…
In the heart of mineral-rich western Odisha, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan faces a tough battle in the closely watched Lok Sabha contest against BJD’s Pranab Prakash (Bobby) Das. The margin of victory in the last two polls was narrow, indicating a fierce competition ahead. Despite being from Angul, over 100 km away, Pradhan is confident of victory with support from senior BJP leaders like Amit Shah. The recent development projects by the government in the region, including the renovation of the Samaleswari temple and the inauguration of the IIM campus, have further influenced the voters’ sentiment. The failed BJP-BJD alliance…
The political landscape in Odisha is abuzz with speculation as the shadow of ‘sana babu’ V K Pandian looms large over the upcoming elections. As Naveen Patnaik, the longstanding Chief Minister of Biju Janata Dal, steps into what could potentially be his final campaign, the question of his successor becomes central. Pandian, a former IAS officer and Patnaik’s trusted aide, is being touted as the natural heir amidst mounting opposition criticism. Pandian, who has been a key figure in Patnaik’s electoral victories, has positioned himself as the inheritor of the Chief Minister’s values and vision for Odisha. Despite allegations of…