Bhubaneswar: A nationwide Bharat Bandh on February 12 could lead to partial disruptions in banking, transport and local services, though essential services are expected to operate normally. Public sector bank unions have announced participation in the strike, which may affect branch-level banking operations, even as branches remain open. Public transport, including buses and taxis, could…
Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: Residents in several areas of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are likely to face temporary power outages on February 11 as Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) undertakes scheduled mechanical upgrades, repair works, and electrical maintenance. According to TPCODL, electricity supply in Bhubaneswar will be disrupted at different time slots between 6:30 AM and 5:00…
Bhubaneswar: Several farmers’ organisations, including Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), its non-political breakaway faction, and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), have criticised the interim India–US trade agreement framework and announced nationwide protests next week. In a statement issued on Saturday, the SKM alleged that the proposed deal amounted to a “total surrender” of Indian agriculture…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed field teams to ensure that no garbage-vulnerable points remain in the city from February 14, ahead of the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 cleanliness survey. BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana instructed sanitary inspectors, Swachh supervisors, and waste collection agencies to intensify cleaning operations and deploy additional manpower and vehicles wherever…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced a new waste management initiative mandating four separate dustbins for households and establishments to strengthen source-level waste segregation across the city. Under the new system, residents will be required to segregate waste into four categories: Green bin: Wet/biodegradable waste Blue bin: Dry/recyclable waste Red bin: Sanitary waste,…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated steps to convert vacant government buildings into affordable rental housing units as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0, aiming to address housing needs of the urban poor and migrant workforce. The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department has directed various state departments to identify unused or…
Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards transparent and citizen-centric governance, the Odisha Revenue Department is set to launch a 24-hour WhatsApp-based service to address land-related complaints and applications, significantly reducing the need for physical visits to tehsil offices. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari announced that citizens will be able to submit grievances and applications directly through…
Bhubaneswar: The ongoing Khandagiri Magh Mela 2026 has been marked by controversy even as it continues to draw massive crowds for its religious rituals and cultural performances. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a show-cause notice to the leaseholder managing parking facilities at the mela after complaints of overcharging visitors, with fees reportedly almost…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has directed the state government to ensure the inclusion of a third gender/transgender option in application forms for examinations conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). The directive followed a petition filed by a third gender candidate, Sony Sil, who pointed out that the online application forms…
Bhubaneswar: The Budget Session of Parliament began on Monday with an address by President Droupadi Murmu to members of both Houses, setting the tone for the government’s policy priorities and legislative agenda for the months ahead. In keeping with parliamentary tradition, the President’s address laid out the broad policy direction and collective resolve guiding India’s…