CM plea

Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday met Niti Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya and raised the issue of Odisha not being accorded special status despite repeated demands. He also underscored the need for formulating strategic plans at the national as well as state and district levels. He said delinking of area development programmes such as special plan for KBK districts and backward region grants would adversely affect development plans in the backward districts.   

Body found

Bhubaneswar: The body of Ranjan Kumar Sethy, 29, a data entry operator, was recovered from his house at Bharatpur under Khandagiri police station on Saturday.

Music album

Bhubaneswar: A music album by visually impaired singers was released on Saturday by Swabhiman, an organisation that works for the rights of the differently-abled.  

Panda taken ill

Berhampur: Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda was admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital after his health deterioratied in the wake of his hunger strike in Berhampur Circle Jail since January 3. He was protesting against the slow trial of cases pending against him.