LIVE 9AM Bulletin 17th JUNE 2025 Kanak News

LIVE 9AM Bulletin 17th JUNE 2025 Kanak News

## Kanak News Live, 9 AM Bulletin: June 17th, 2025 - A World in Miniature, A World in Flux

Good morning, and welcome to the 9 AM bulletin on Kanak News. As the Odisha sun climbs higher, we bring you the stories shaping our state, our nation, and indeed, the world, with a particular focus on the themes of sustainability, innovation, and the ever-shifting sands of social change.

Today, we lead with a groundbreaking initiative coming out of Bhubaneshwar's Institute of Advanced Technology. For years, researchers have been wrestling with the devastating effects of coastal erosion on our coastline. But what if, instead of fighting the sea, we learned to live with it? Professor Alisha Rao and her team believe they have the answer: miniature, self-sustaining coastal communities built on floating platforms. These aren't mere tourist traps; they're meticulously engineered ecosystems designed to be resilient to rising sea levels and even harness wave energy for power. Imagine, a network of interconnected, floating villages, powered by the ocean itself, providing housing, aquaculture, and even research facilities. The prototype, dubbed \"Neeladri,\" is currently undergoing rigorous testing in the Chilika Lagoon, and the early results are nothing short of astonishing. We'll have a live report from Chilika later in the bulletin.

Moving on to national news, the hotly debated \"Digital Decency Act\" has been passed by Parliament after weeks of intense debate. The Act aims to curb online harassment and misinformation, but critics argue that it could stifle free speech and lead to government overreach. The implications are far-reaching, affecting everything from social media usage to online journalism. Legal experts are already predicting numerous legal challenges, and civil rights groups are planning mass protests across the country. We'll be speaking with legal experts and activists on both sides of the debate later in the bulletin.

In international news, the global food crisis continues to deepen, exacerbated by climate change and geopolitical instability. Reports from the United Nations paint a grim picture, with millions facing starvation across the African continent. However, there's a glimmer of hope coming from an unexpected source: genetically modified drought-resistant crops developed in Odisha. Researchers at the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) in Cuttack have created a new strain of rice that requires significantly less water and can withstand prolonged periods of drought. Preliminary trials in several African countries have shown promising results, and the Indian government is considering a large-scale aid program to distribute these seeds. Could Odisha become a global leader in combating food insecurity? We explore this fascinating possibility.

Closer to home, the annual Rath Yatra preparations are in full swing in Puri. This year, the focus is on sustainability, with organizers implementing a comprehensive waste management program and promoting the use of eco-friendly materials. After the controversies of past years regarding waste disposal, the temple administration seems determined to set a new precedent. We'll have a special report from Puri, showcasing the efforts to make this year's Rath Yatra the most environmentally conscious one yet.

Finally, a heartwarming story to end this first segment. Ten-year-old Rohan Das, from a small village in Kandhamal district, has won the prestigious \"Young Innovator Award\" for his invention: a solar-powered water purification system that can be built using readily available materials. Rohan, inspired by the struggles of his community to access clean water, designed and built the system using discarded solar panels and plastic bottles. His ingenuity and dedication are a testament to the power of young minds to solve real-world problems.

Stay tuned to Kanak News for more updates throughout the day. We'll be delving deeper into each of these stories, bringing you in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and the human stories behind the headlines. We'll be right back after the break.