Odisha’s Anganwadi Uniform Hike Signals a Shift from Token Welfare to Quality-Centric Child Development

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government’s decision to increase expenditure on uniforms, shoes, and sweaters for Anganwadi children under the Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana reflects a subtle but important shift in early childhood welfare policy—from minimum compliance to quality assurance. At a fiscal level, the hike addresses a long-standing gap between sanctioned costs and market…

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Bhubaneswar Imposes Restrictions at PMG Square Ahead of Republic Day Parade

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar authorities have imposed strict traffic and safety restrictions around PMG Square and Mahatma Gandhi Marg in view of the state-level Republic Day parade and its rehearsal sessions. The measures are aimed at ensuring smooth conduct of events and maintaining public safety. According to the Commissionerate Police, traffic restrictions will be in force on…

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Bhubaneswar Plans Smart Traffic Signal Overhaul to Improve Urban Mobility

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) has announced a comprehensive upgrade of the city’s traffic signal infrastructure aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing congestion, and enhancing road safety. Under the plan, 50 existing adaptive traffic signals will be modernised, while 25 new adaptive signals will be installed at key junctions across the city. In addition,…

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Farmers Call Odisha Bandh on January 28 Over Paddy Procurement and Pollution Fines

Bhubaneswar: The Nav Nirman Krishan Sangathan has announced a statewide bandh in Odisha on January 28 to protest alleged irregularities in paddy procurement and mandi operations, along with what it describes as heavy and unreasonable fines imposed on farmers in the name of pollution certificates. According to statements and announcements circulating online, the farmers’ organisation…

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Government Notifies 33 Questions for Houselisting and Housing Census 2027

Bhubaneswar: The Union government on Thursday notified 33 questions for the upcoming Houselisting and Housing Census, scheduled to be conducted from April 1 to September 30, 2026. The exercise will form a key preparatory phase of the next national Census and aims to create a comprehensive database on housing conditions, household amenities, and assets across…

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Courts Pass Key Orders in High-Profile Cases Involving Opposition-Ruled States

Bhubaneswar: Courts across the country have passed a series of significant orders over the past three days in cases involving governments led by opposition parties, drawing attention to ongoing legal scrutiny of executive and investigative actions. On Monday, the Supreme Court issued a notice to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and granted interim relief…

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Mohammed Shami Calls for Public Cooperation in Voter List Verification After SIR Hearing

Bhubaneswar: Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami on Tuesday set a strong example of civic responsibility by appearing before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing and urging citizens to actively participate in the voter list verification process. After attending the hearing at Swarnamoyee Vidyalaya, Shami dismissed concerns surrounding the exercise and emphasized that voter list correction is…

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Odisha Begins Performance Review of College Teachers; Underperformers May Face Compulsory Retirement

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated a process that could lead to the compulsory retirement of college teachers found to be consistently underperforming. The Higher Education Department has directed all government-run and government-aided universities and colleges to review the performance of their teaching staff and submit detailed reports by January 31. According to official instructions,…

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Women to Drive ‘Ama Bus’ as Odisha Launches Training Programme in Pune

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards gender inclusion in public transport, women drivers will soon operate the ‘Ama Bus’ service in Odisha. The decision was taken during a review meeting of the Ama Bus service chaired by Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra. As part of the initiative, 20 women will be sent to…

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Massive Fire Engulfs No. 1 Haat Plastic Market in Bhubaneswar; Over 40 Shops Gutted

Bhubaneswar: A devastating fire broke out in the early hours at No. 1 Haat’s Plastic Market in Bhubaneswar, destroying more than 40 shops and causing extensive property damage estimated at several lakhs. The blaze erupted around 1:38 am, spreading rapidly through the congested market area. The fire escalated quickly, fueled by the market’s extensive use…

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