National

Odisha Government Gives In-Principle Approval for Renewable Energy Projects Valued at Rs 1191.47 Crore

Published

11 months ago

April 24, 2025

In a bid to bolster the State’s sustainable energy framework, the Odisha Government has granted in-principle approval for renewable energy (RE) projects with a total capacity of 149.97 Megawatt (MW) and an investment of Rs 1,191.47 crore, as announced by an official from the State’s energy department on Thursday.
The 10th Single Window Committee (SWC) meeting, conducted under the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy-2022 yesterday, approved seven RE projects.

Among the approved initiatives are two Wind Power Projects totaling 95.7 MW, four Ground-Based Solar Projects with a capacity of 53.97 MW, and the inaugural Battery Storage Project of 0.6 MWh (megawatt-hour).

These projects will harness Odisha’s natural advantages for renewable energy generation, reinforcing the State’s dedication to achieving its renewable energy objectives set forth in the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy-2022.
Vishal Dev, Secretary of the Energy Department, highlighted the crucial role of renewable energy in fostering sustainable economic development. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating investments and ensuring that approved projects are implemented in a timely manner.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of various projects approved in the 9th SWC meeting, with participation from officials across multiple departments, including Energy, Water Resources, Revenue & DM, GRIDCO, Orissa Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL), various Electricity Distribution Companies, Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC), and EIC (Electricity).
The government’s proactive strategies and streamlined processes via the Single Window Committee and its Nodal Agency, GRIDCO, are drawing investments in the renewable energy sector, paving the way for a sustainable and self-sufficient Odisha. As of now, the SWC has given in-principle approval for investment proposals totaling Rs 12,387.36 crore for a combined capacity of 1,707.56 MW in the renewable energy sector, claimed Energy Secretary Dev.

National

UP Teen Dies in Street Racing Crash In Lucknow

Published

6 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Uttar Pradesh: A 17-year-old Class 12 student died in a road accident during a street race in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday.

The victim, Naitik Kumar, was riding a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 with a group of bikers near Janeshwar Mishra Park. While racing, he suddenly lost control of his bike after hitting something on the road.

His bike crashed into a Honda Activa in front of him. He then fell onto a road divider and suffered serious head injuries.

The Activa slid across the road and hit another bike, a Kawasaki Ninja, which was moving at high speed. The Ninja rider was adjusting his action camera when the accident happened.

Naitik Kumar was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead. Police said he was not wearing proper protective gear.

Two others involved in the accident suffered minor injuries. Police are checking CCTV footage to find the exact cause of the crash.

National

BCM Hostel Manager Dies by Suicide

Published

12 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hassan: A hostel manager working under the Backward Classes Welfare Department died by suicide in Channarayapatna of Hassan district.

The deceased has been identified as Lokesh (45). He had been serving as a warden for two hostels in Guddenahalli, Hassan, and was recently promoted as a hostel manager a few days ago. Following the promotion, he was posted as the manager of the BCM hostel in Channarayapatna.

According to reports, Lokesh allegedly died by suicide by hanging himself at his residence on Saturday night.

The exact reason for his suicide is not yet known. Local police visited the spot, conducted a preliminary inspection, and have begun an investigation into the incident.